Washington County High School head football coach Ben James doesn't sugarcoat what happened to his team last fall. The Panthers were rolling, a legitimate contender in 1A football, before injuries tore through the roster and turned a promising season into a 5-5 finish and a 1-2 mark in Eastern Carolina 1A conference play.

 

The Panthers open the season at home Friday, Aug. 21, against Manteo at 7 p.m.

For information, check out the Aug. 19, 2026, edition of the Roanoke Beacon.