Fearless 40: Cabot Panthers

Cabot enters the 2026 season with a new head coach and renewed expectations as the Panthers look to improve on last year's 4-7 record and make a deeper playoff run.

Lance Clark, who takes over the program this season, understands the challenge that comes with competing in one of the state's toughest football leagues.

"7A Central is the SEC West," Clark said.

Cabot's 2025 season ended with a first-round playoff loss to Springdale, but players say Clark has brought a new level of energy to the program.

"Coach Clark brings a new energy," senior defensive end Camron Greene said. "It's wonderful to see. There's a lot more energy than last year, and I think it's going to be a very good program."

The Panthers return just one all-conference player in starting center Rylee Cochran. Defensively, Cabot brings back three starters in the secondary, but questions remain about who will emerge as the team's playmakers.

Clark said his approach is to build around the strengths of his roster rather than force a specific scheme.

"We want to be a physical, tough football team on both sides of the ball," Clark said. "Football is pretty simple. It's about blocking and tackling. The teams that block well and tackle well are usually successful. Whether it's the spread, running the ball every down or throwing it every down, we'll adjust to what fits our personnel."

Players say one of the biggest improvements they hope to see this season is stronger team chemistry.

"Chemistry is important," senior safety Bronson Elizandro said. "As the season went on, we got closer, and I think that's what matters. Fight together, lose together, win together."

The Panthers will open the season Aug. 28 on the road against Jonesboro.