It’s a new era of Pelion football as the Panthers look to turn things around and establish a new culture under first-year head coach Cory Helms.

Helms comes to Pelion after spending the past three seasons at Cardinal Newman. He plans to transform the program and establish a culture that is based on three key principles.

“ We only preach three words, and that’s ETD: effort, toughness and discipline,” Helms said.  ”We have wristbands that say it. We break it down that way at the end of practice, and it’s just how we practice. Our teams are going to play with effort, toughness and discipline. We’re going to be fast, physical and relentless.”

Helms is hoping his players embrace his teachings, as it is the first step in laying the foundation he is hoping to build.

The Panthers have finished near the bottom of their region’s standings in each of the past three seasons. Pelion’s last winning record came in 2020 when it finished 5-2. That was Pelion’s only winning season in the past 10 years.

 ”There’s no magic potion to it,” Helms said. “You have to outwork people, and you have to be smart. Do things the right way, and then you’ll have a chance.”

Turning things around at Pelion will not be a walk in the park. The Panthers play in one of the deepest 2A regions with teams such as Batesburg-Leesville, Strom Thurmond and Saluda.

While Helms would love to beat every team on the schedule, he knows not to harp on wins and losses so much, especially these first few years.

“ The kids have to understand that it’s about more than just that,” Helms said. “A successful year for us is getting better each week and playing our best ball late in the year.”

Helms said he was impressed with the improvements the Panthers have made this summer and believes if things go right, the team could make some noise.

“ We talk about putting Pelion on the map and going and shocking people,” Helms said. “We’ll have opportunities to do that. The kids are going to have to take advantage of them, but we will have those opportunities.”

Offense

Pelion will return many players from last year’s squad and will be an upperclassmen-heavy team.

Junior Alan Moore is back after playing quarterback for the team last season. He will be surrounded by many teammates he already has chemistry with from last season.

 Tre Jackson will be the team’s lead halfback. Brady Cottingham will also take snaps at the position while also playing on defense as the starting middle linebacker. Cottingham will also play some tight end, but returning senior Daniel Adkins will take the majority of the reps.

Jai Chuniesingh is one of the receivers Helms is excited about. He transferred in from Gray Collegiate and will look to immediately contribute to this Pelion team.

Defense

Like with most small schools, many of Pelion’s players play both offense and defense.

Ben Stabler will be an anchor on both the offense and defensive lines. He will play alongside Cottingham, Nehemiah Green and Levi Brown.

In the secondary, Johnathan Davis, Will Green, Taylor Jackson, Tyshawn Caldwell and Jayden Fields will be responsible for limiting the opponent’s passing game and keeping teams out of the end zone.

“There’s a lot of guys. …We have a talented team,” Helms said.

2025 Pelion Schedule

Week 0 - vs. Williston-Elko - Aug. 21

Week 1 - at Columbia - Aug. 29

Week 2 - BYE

Week 3 - at Swansea - Sept. 12

Week 4 - vs. Mid-Carolina - Sept. 19

Week 5 - vs. Eau Claire - Sept. 26

Week 6 - vs. Ninety Six* - Oct. 3

Week 7 - at Saluda* - Oct. 10

Week 8 - at Strom Thurmond* - Oct. 17

Week 9 - vs. Batesburg-Leesville* - Oct. 24

Week 10 - vs. American Leadership Academy* - Oct. 30

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent