Marengo head football coach Woodrow Campbell is hoping his team will improve upon last season’s record.

And although he has some tough challenges ahead of him, his goals haven’t changed.

“Our goal for this season is the same as last year,” Campbell said.

“To finish the season undefeated.”

The Panthers face three non-regional 1A opponents in addition to regional action.

“Our toughest opponents this year will probably be Millry, Fruitdale, and Frisco City,” Campbell said.

Although last season’s team lacked the size of many other local schools, Campbell finds last year to be a success.

“Last season’s biggest success was to face adversity with 18 football players,” Campbell said.

“And they endured it to the end and did everything I asked them to do and they finished the season.”

Coach Campbell and the Panthers have a difficult season ahead of them, but Campbell believes his team can and will succeed.

“My biggest challenge this season will be getting the guys up to play week in and week out,” Campbell said.

“And our goal is set to win 10 ball games.

My hope is that we meet that goal.”

Marengo’s greatest strength this season is probably the special teams, but the offense and defense has improved as well.

“As far as our greatest strengths, the kicking game is good,” Campbell said.

“Offensively, I have some good backs and a couple of good receivers and my quarterback is a leader.

Also, this will be his second year as a starting QB and he has improved from last year already.

Defensively, our secondary will be in pretty good shape.

I also have a pretty good group of linebackers.”

Practice makes perfect, and the Panthers are already looking to become better than last year.

“This year we have 24 players and I’ve been having at least 21-22 at practice every day,” Campbell said.

“And these kids have done practically everything I have asked them to do on the football field and I am very happy about that.”