The Breakdown with Jay Pace: North Crowley Panthers

Written By: Jay Pace @Therealjaypace

Tale Of The Tape

North Crowley and Coppell will meet Saturday afternoon in a matchup that features a pair of undefeated, nationally ranked teams vying for a berth in the regional finals. Both programs are led by young and highly successful head coaches. Let’s get started with a look at the reigning District 3 Class 6A Division I champions from North Crowley.

NORTH CROWLEY PANTHERS (12-0)

HEAD COACH

Ray Gates is 38-2 overall in his three seasons at North Crowley. 

REGULAR SEASON

Since taking over in 2022, Gates has yet to lose in the regular season, leading the Panthers to a perfect 30-0  record. Cumulatively, their average margin of victory in regular season games is 37.2 points.

THE BIG UGLIES

Mammoth LT John Turntine III is rated as the top offensive line prospect in the state of Texas in the class of 2026. He helps anchor a strong group upfront that also features Missouri commit Henry Fenuku. Quarterback Chris Jimmerson Jr. has enjoyed a record breaking season and these guys are a big reason why he has had tremendous success. From clean pockets and huge running lanes, the Panthers offensive line ranks amongst the best in Texas.

LETHAL WEAPONS

With the cache of explosive weapons dotting the Panthers roster, it’s a wonder somebody isn’t serving some serious fed time. Decades. A pigskin version of the mighty North Korean Army, the Panthers offense has been an unstoppable force of nature. Whether it’s on the ground or through the air, this offense does what it wants.

Here Comes The Boom!

Cornelius Warren III is a do it all playmaker capable of taking it to the house every single time he touches the ball. Warren III ’s versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He contributes on special teams in the return game, lines up in the backfield as a running back and he plays multiple wide receiver positions. There's not much he can't or doesn’t do. 

A UNLV commit, Warren III is the ‘X’ factor in this offense. 

Rushing Attack

In spite of the gaudy numbers produced by the passing game, it’s the ground game that sets this team apart. The Panthers have a four pronged rushing attack that makes North Crowley a legitimate championship contender. Daniel Bray, described by On3.com as “one of the most explosive athletes in America,’ leads a vaunted ground game that has accounted for more than 3,000 yards and 44 TDs in 2024. Bray burst onto the scene last season, rushing for 1,359 yards and 22 TDs for Abilene Cooper before transferring to North Crowley for his senior season. The lone underclassmen among the top four rushers is sophomore RB Kiante Ingram. Ingram has taken advantage of his opportunities when called upon this season, rushing for 467 yards and 10 TDs on 55 carries.

WIDE RECEIVER

While the Panthers passing attack starts with QB Chris Jimmerson Jr., it ends with WR Quentin Gibson.  A lightly used option in his first three varsity seasons, Gibson has emerged almost out of nowhere to become one of the top WRs in the state of Texas. Coming into the season Gibson’s stat line, while respectable - 42 touches, 341 yards and 7 TDs – was nothing extraordinary. 2024 has been that and then some with Gibson piling up 1,700 yards of total offense and 32 TDs on 79 touches. Most of that damage was done as a wide receiver. But Gibson isn't the only threat in the Panthers up-tempo, quick strike offense. Kevin Moore, Cam Hunter and Malachi Releford have a combined  59 receptions, 1,074 yards and 12 TDs. The options are literally endless.

The Man Driving The Train

The man who makes this Panther offense go is senior QB Chris Jimmerson Jr. 

A three year starter at quarterback, Jimmerson Jr. has taught a master class in 2024 on how to run the Panthers complex, fast paced offense. Jimmerson Jr., is a true dual threat option at quarterback with the ability to make plays through the air or on the ground. Jimmerson Jr. has enjoyed a historical season in what has been a storybook year for the North Crowley Panthers. His passing numbers are downright offensive. Jimmerson Jr. is 165-for-238, with 3,210 yards passing and 49 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. He has rushed for 510 yards and 4 TDs. Regardless of what happens from here, Jimmerson Jr.’s spot amongst the greatest Panthers of all time is secure.

FINAL GRADE

With major college prospects at every single position, the Panthers are loaded with next level talent and they have no real discernable weaknesses.

Grade: A+