With a new coach, Reedsville looking to keep it going

REEDSVILLE (WLUK) -- Reedsville was the lone football team from Northeast Wisconsin to win a state title in 2021, but if the Panthers are to repeat it will be with a new coach.

Gone is Aaron Frederick after a 14-0 season and in his place is former Reedsville Middle School coach Sam Shafer, who actually helped out last season during the Panthers' postseason run.

Shafer's dream was to become a head coach and at the age of 25 he's realized it.

"I played football in college and I know I've been wanting to coach," said Shafer, who played at UW-Stevens Point. "It wasn't there right away but I had an opportunity and luckily I got it. I'm just excited to be out here with these great kids and see how successful we can be together."

Becoming a head coach for the first time at the high school level you would think Shafer has tempered expectations, but he hasn't. despite some key losses from last year's team, he sees now reason to slow down.

"Obviously, following up a state championship is big shoes to fill, but we have a great team to meet that standard again," he said. "We have a great group of seniors. The coaching staff is pretty much the same and I trust these guys."

Because of Shafer's approach or thinking, Reedsville is ready for what comes at it this season. Being a state champ many teams will look at the Panthers as a chance to make their season by beating the Panthers. There will be pressure to produce, but that's OK.

"It's a new year, it's a different year, and because we are the defending state champs everyone is going to be wanting a piece of us<<>" senior Ryan Taddy said. "That's just how it works, can't do anything about it, but everyone seems pumped up for the season and we're ready to go. I think there's still a lot of pressure because we are defending state champs.

"You can't go a season where you don't win any games or anything. You have to be successful as a team. There's a little bit of pressure, but we're going to have to fight against it like anything and try to be good as a team."

Reedsville greets that pressure for the first time on Aug. 19th against Mishicot and Shafer says that night and this season is not about a new coach, it's about the team.

"It's about the Reedsville Panthers football team," he said. "I'm here for the kids, the other coaches are here for the kids. I'm just kind of a long for the ride and guide them how I can.

"I have the utmost trust in them to be a great football team. I couldn't be more excited to take it to Mishicot on the 19th."

With their new coach, expect the Panthers to be ready .

Follow Doug Ritchay on Twitter @dougritchay