TEAM OUTLOOK

Comstock Park has qualified for the playoffs in three of Doug Samuels five seasons as the head coach of the Panthers. After a 5-5 season that concluded in a first round loss to West Catholic last season, they prepare for play in the new-look OK-Silver this season – and do so with a lot of experience and key returners that could help put together a conference-winning season.

Athletic senior Ashton Fitch has dealt with injuries over the past couple of seasons, but is now healthy again and will play quarterback for Coach Samuels team in ‘24. Week one vs. Tri-County will be Ashtion’s first game in two years, but after spending last season with a headset on on the sidelines, he’ll be ready to step back in. The Panthers will critically return four starters from last year’s offensive line. Christian Robinson returns as the featured WR target, and a group of talented newcomers – including sophomore Manny Bryant. The X-factor will be filling the void left by the graduation of one of the area’s best RBs last season, Easton Hood.

On Defense, they again will bring back the majority of starters on the defensive line and lead the way up front, like on offense. Coach Samuels highlights the defense as the key place for improvement on this year’s team, after they gave up over 35 points per game in 2023. Christian Robinson will also be critical out wide on this side of the ball at cornerback.