For the last few seasons the boys’ race for the South Central Conference title has run through EFB. This season, the Rockets have a new coach and are in a rebuilding mode after heavy graduation losses a year ago. Knoxville is one of the teams that is looked at as a favorite along with Albia. First year Panthers Coach Joel Keady tells KNIA/KRLS Sports the goal is to win the conference this season, but his main focus is getting his team on the right page before the season begins.

Keady: “The conference is going to look a lot different, and there’s still good coaches and players. But what we’re focused on is playing well as a team and if we do that then the challenges of the conference and other games will come.”

Knoxville finished in a tie for 2nd place last season in the South Central Conference with an 11-3 record. The Panthers season opener is also their conference opener against Cardinal next Friday.