Boot Camp: LeRoy looks to get back into the playoffs

LEROY, Ill. (WMBD) -- LeRoy missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022 last year. The Panthers finished the season at 4-5, just missing out on playoff eligibility. Overall, for the season, the Panthers scored more points than they allowed, but they lost some close games. Head coach B.J. Zeleznik says the key to turning some of those close losses into wins is by fine tuning all of the little things. "Need to be a little sharper in everything that we do," said Zeleznik. Showing up on time and making sure we're ready for practice with equipment and mentally the effort that we're putting in in the later sessions of practice where, you know, you may be tired, you know, what's that effort look like? What's that focus look like? So, you know, if they can improve on some of those things and I think we'll have an improved season." "Be tough. Just play physical while being still smart. Can't be physical and dumb because that'll get you in trouble," said quarterback Brett Helfrich. "But play physical and hard and like block out being tired just to keep playing through the tired." In week one the Panthers hit the road and will take on Ridgview-Lexington. 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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 CIProud.com.