Last season

Record: 3-8 overall, 3-2 in Big Seven 4A/5A conference (third)
Playoffs: Lost in 5A first round to Southeast Alamance

2026 preview

Orange coach Fritz Hessenthaler, entering his second year with the program, sees himself as a “grandpa” in the coaching game.

He’s cut from the old-school cloth. He believes in running the ball and leading by action. If you ask for his thoughts on the Panthers’ 2025 season and what he hopes will change this fall, his answer won’t satisfy a sweet tooth.

“Last year, we played weak,” Hessenthaler said. “This year, I think we have a great opportunity to play strong.”

Orange’s “weakness” last season was a product of circumstances. The team had only three seniors, resulting in 18 freshmen and sophomores filling starting roles. Hessenthaler recalled “almost begging” kids to play as his team took some bumps throughout the year. However, there were positive takeaways from 2025. The Panthers, who started the year 0-7, won their last three regular season games, finished third in the conference and earned a playoff bid.

“My kids are mentally tough at this point,” Hessenthaler said. “Not many teams go 0-7 and win the last three regular season games. Most teams would have fell apart by then, and they’re just not going to win. So, that speaks very highly of their capabilities mentally and hanging in there and being tough.”

Naturally, the majority of the Orange’s 2025 offensive core will return to its run-heavy scheme.

Junior running back Markus Thomas looks to lead the backfield once again after rushing for a team-high 979 yards and seven touchdowns last year. Senior Kayden Bradsher, who ran for 590 yards and nine scores last year, will also take some handoffs from junior quarterback Jackson Moody, a returning starter.

“As far as the running backs, we’ve got to get in behind our blockers a little better,” Hessenthaler said. “I think before I got here, they kind of created space, where I don’t mind a phone booth so to speak. That means our backs have got to get behind certain people and trust to make them blockers. I think they’re all getting a little bit better at that.”

Defensively, Hessenthaler didn’t want to mention who he expects to have a big year as there’s been competition for starting roles this offseason. Nevertheless, the Panthers are returning junior linebackers Jakai Torian, who led the team with 6.8 tackles per game in 2025, and Evan Rawlins, who logged 6.5 tackles per contest last year. Junior Owen Phillips will also be back in the defensive secondary after recording an interception, 46 tackles and a forced fumble last fall.

To see an increase in the win column, though, Orange is matching its experience with physical strength. The Panthers have seen growth in their weight room numbers and hope it translates to the field.

“Their squats went up 150 pounds,” Hessenthaler said. “Their bench up 75 by now. Clean is up by about 85 if you average all the kids.”

Said Hessenthaler, “We’re really looking forward to it. Just to see the progression of the kids and the athletes.”

Schedule
*conference game

Aug. 21 — at Southeast Alamance
Aug. 28 — at Chapel Hill
Sept. 4 — BYE
Sept. 11 — vs. Hillside
Sept. 18 — at Eastern Guilford
Sept. 25 — vs. Northern Durham
Oct. 2 — vs. Seaforth*
Oct. 9 — at Webb*
Oct. 16 — vs. Carrboro*
Oct. 23 — at South Granville*
Oct. 30 — vs. Cedar Ridge*