Pekin football look-ahead

PACKWOOD — Pekin’s 2021-22 football campaign didn’t turn out the way the Panthers would have liked.

The Panthers didn’t get a win last year, but this fall is looking bright as they lost just four to graduation.

One of the biggest losses comes at the quarterback position.

Graduate Colton Comstock threw for 518 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 305 yards and four touchdowns. Both were team highs for Pekin in 2021.

Good news for the Panthers is senior Logan Lauderman, who ran for 229 yards on 47 carries makes a comeback.

The junior duo of Sven Dahlstrom and Deklan Hampton combined for 208 yards last season. Both will see touches this year.

Pekin will be without Kevin Rohr also, who rushed for 135 yards in 2021 as well.

On the receiving end, Pekin gets its main target back.

Senior Luke Long caught 31 passes for 473 yards and three touchdowns last year. He was the only Panthers to reach triple digits in yards receiving.

Other receivers from last years squad include senior Logan Baker and sophomore Will Adam.

Defensively, the Panthers are doing just fine. Top tacklers, seniors Blake Juhl and Logan Baker both return. They each finished with 43 tackles a piece in their junior season.

Pekin’s 2022 schedule matches its 2021. The Panthers will have the opportunity to avenge each of their defeats from last season.

Pekin football 2022 football schedule

Aug. 26 vs. Cardinal

Sept. 2 at Alburnett

Sept. 9 vs. North Cedar

Sept. 16 at Wapello

Sept. 23 vs. Columbus

Sept. 30 at Lisbon

Oct. 7 at Belle Plaine

Oct. 14 vs. Highland