The senior class that played their last football game for the Knoxville Panthers a few weeks ago never planned for their final season to be 0-9. However, Coach Tory Rider says this group has always been special to him, because they were freshmen during Rider’s first season at Knoxville. Rider tells KNIA/KRLS Sports all through their high school years, he always knew they were buying in and setting a great example on and off the field for their younger teammates. Rider added that the way they carried themselves on and off the field relates to how well their parents raised these seniors. He says they likely lost some friendships due to the positive choices they made off the field…however gained more respect from the underclassmen seeing their choices.

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