Craig Pritchett Returns to Lead the Ridgeland Panthers

Rossville, GA-(WDEF-TV) After suffering through a couple of down seasons, Ridgeland went searching for a new coach.
The trail lead to South Carolina, where the Panthers managed to bring back one of their own in Craig Pritchett, who

is a former Ridgeland player and assistant coach. He admits it’s surreal to be back as the Panthers head coach.
Said Pritchett:”This was the place I always wanted to be since I got into coaching. Just to be home. It’s super exciting to be on the field that you played on. To be on the field that you coached on. And now be the head coach. It’s awesome and what a blessing it is to be back.”
The Panthers have just two wins in the last two seasons.
But Pritchett knows all about turning around a program.
Brevard was winless the year before Pritchett arrived, and then they ripped off five winnings seasons in seven years.
Said defensive end Hayden Kerr:”It’s a whole different atmosphere. Really like the intensity. We are just so focused and ready for the season.”
Said quarterback Chase Watkins:”Winning is all we are worried about right now. Winning. Changing this culture. Get back to where Ridgeland was at one point.”
To get back on top, the Panthers will need to fire up some offensive production.
Said Pritchett:”Most of the time. Not under center. Try to utilize our athletes and be a little nasty up front with our offensive line. Still want to run the ball first, but want to be exciting. Want to do some exciting things on both sides of the ball.”
Pritchett wouldn’t mind some exciting play from his quarterback.
Said Pritchett:”Quarterback wise we are looking at Chase Watkins is kind of a bigger physical kind of running style, and then Ethan Waters has done a good job battling. It has been back and forth. We still haven’t made the final decision on who will be the starter. We’ll let that competition roll up until we need to name one.”