Parkview produced 487 points last season. That’s an average of 40.5 per game. The Panthers scored 40 or more in six games and were never held below 28. The offensive punch helped put the club in the top 10 all season and led to an 11-1 season, where the Panthers lost a heartbreaker to Archer in the second round.

Most of those offensive players are back, leaving the Panthers with high expectations this season. 

“Our overall offense is very dynamic,” said coach Eric Godffee, who is beginning his sixth season with the Panthers. “I wouldn’t necessarily want to play against our offense”

Quarterback Jordan Williams returns to lead the attack. He threw for 1,976 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2018. 

“He’s one that’s a great general on the field,” Godfree said. “He takes care of the football and knows what to do with it. He doesn’t get rattled.”

It helps to have a back like Cody Brown, who ran for 1,588 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior last season. Brown (6-foot, 210 pounds) is a big body with the sort of speed that doesn’t match. Once he breaks the line, he has the potential to score. Brown ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the playoff loss to Archer. Brown already has a mailbox full of offers, including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn and Florida. 

Parkview Cody Brown, Jordan Williams

Cody Brown takes a handoff from Jordan Williams. (Photo courtesy Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Once he breaks the line, he has the potential to score. Brown ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the playoff loss to Archer. Brown already has a mailbox full of offers, including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn and Florida. 

“He’s a big kid who runs hard and the next thing you know he’s gone 50,” Godfree said. “You don’t expect a big kid to run that fast. But when you pull away from somebody in Gwinnett, you’re fast.”

The top receiver coming back is senior C.J. Daniels. He had 39 catches and scored six touchdowns in 2018. 

The offensive line is anchored by senior tackle Tyler Wagner (6-5, 290), who has committed to Coastal Carolina.

On defense the team is led by its outstanding group of linebackers, with Kobe Wilson (6-10, 200), who has committed to Memphis. 

“We graduated some good defensive players, especially on the defensive line,” Godfree said. “This summer has been beneficial for us to be able to develop some players and start looking to develop depth. That part has come along well.”

The Panthers won the Region 7 championship last year, the program’s first title since 2004. 

“We’ve still got to get better,” Godfree said. “It’s about us and how we can continue to improve … pay attention to details and assignments.”

Parkview plays six road games this season, including trips to Lowndes, Milton and Norcross, as well as a non-region game against Tift County. Four of its first five games are away from the Big Orange Jungle.