WICKSBURG, Ala. (WDHN)—Wicksburg Panthers head coach Josh Cox and his team are coming into the new year after a 7-4 finish last season. But this season will present a brand new challenge for this team, one that starts in their own locker room. "We've been rebuilding," Cox said. "We have a lot of young guys; I looked at the film, and we only have three guys who got playing time that are returning. So, we're really young on both sides of the ball." After graduating 17 seniors from last year's team, the Panthers expect many younger players to step in and make an impact, including some who played on the junior varsity team last year. Despite the lack of experience, Cox feels like this year's team can still make some noise in their region. According to Cox, the Panthers' offense is undoubtedly this team's strength, with a physical offensive line leading the way for players like quarterback John Carter Cole and running back Payten Maribal. Luckily, the offense should have no trouble putting points on the scoreboard. This is the first season Wicksburg will compete in a new Class 3A Region 2, which features five teams that allowed 25 or more points last season. But Cox isn't allowing his team to overlook any of their upcoming opponents as the season draws near. "It's the same message every week, 'It's the best team we're going to play, because that's who we play that week'. We take it week by week; we're not playing eight private schools, I guess that's a plus...I don't think our schedule got any easier by any stretch; it's just a different type of battle facing us." 2026 Wicksburg Panthers Football Schedule (* denotes region game)
Aug. 21st - LaFayette Aug. 28th - @ Horseshoe Bend Sep. 4th - @ Pike County * Sep. 11th - Geneva * Sep. 18th - @ Bullock County * Sep. 25th - OPEN Oct. 2nd - @ B.T. Washington * Oct. 9th - Slocomb * Oct. 16th - Wicksburg * Oct. 23rd - @ Daleville * Oct. 30th - Woodland Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.