By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

COLLINSVILLE – Not much is expected of most kids entering their freshman year of varsity football at most high schools, but that isn’t the case at Collinsville.

Take quarterback Mason McAteer for example.

As an eighth grader last year, McAteer found himself starting behind center for the Panthers, and he didn’t disappoint despite his young age. He threw for 1,262 yards with 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season. He also ran for 644 yards on 75 carries with seven scores.

Against a previously unbeaten Valley Head team in the 2022 regular-season finale, the grandson of Collinsville head coach Ernie Willingham completed 5-of-8 pass attempts for 215 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers in a 27-22 victory.

McAteer is quick to point out he had a lot of help last season, including all-purpose back and older cousin Keaton DeBoard.

While McAteer won’t have the now graduated DeBoard behind him in the backfield this season, he does have several other capable playmakers at his disposal. McAteer just has to make sure to get them the ball.

“Keaton helped me by carrying the ball a lot last year, but we’ve got more people this year,” McAteer said. “We can probably throw it more to our receivers, plus a lot of our linemen are back.”

With those factors in mind, McAteer made sure to do his part to become even better at his position. He attended the Manning Football Camp in Louisiana over the summer as part of his efforts to grow and mature as a signal caller.

Judging by Panther offensive coordinator and former Collinsville quarterback Tanner Nelson’s comments, he’s seeing McAteer continue to make significant strides before his very eyes.

“I think he’s becoming a better leader,” Nelson said of McAteer during the Panthers’ media day back in late July. “He’s learning the offense better. He’s learning to get the guys where they need to be. Last year was a little bit of a struggle. We had to call a couple of timeouts where an older quarterback would’ve easily been able to fix that and get them in the right position, but I think he’s grown.

“He’s stronger. He’s got more velocity on his football. He can throw it a little bit further. He’s a little bit bigger. He’s going to be able to run the ball more. He’s working hard every single day. It’s not where he’s happy with where he’s at. He wants to be the best in everything he does. We’re happy with where he is now, but I think he’s going to continue to grow. Hopefully by the end of the year good things will happen with him at quarterback.”

Willingham said it’s hard for him to put into words what coaching his grandson means to him.

“I never thought I would,” Willingham said. “I’ve really enjoyed working with him. I’m kind of sad I won’t be able to do the same thing with the rest of them (his grandkids). They’re a little further behind (in age), but I’m just enjoying every day. He rides home with me after practice. We talk and have a good relationship. I’m glad of that.”

The feeling is mutual for McAteer.

“I’ve been around him all my life, watching him coach football. He’s been coaching forever,” McAteer said. “I’ve always wanted to play for him, so playing for him now feels great. It’s always what I’ve wanted. It’s been great.”

As McAteer mentioned, he won’t have all the offensive weight on his shoulders this season. Fellow freshman Kyler Beene moves from the slot to running back. Senior Lucas McDaniel, junior Jacob Steele and sophomore Travis Ledford are also expected to get their share of carries.

The Panthers have plenty of dept at receiver. Senior receiver Tytan Morgan returns after knee surgery ended his season last year. Senior Eli Griggs, juniors Jameson Coker and Hunter James, and freshmen Gavin Lang, Jeremiah Killian, Sylas Adams and Necco Garrett all join Morgan as the Panther receivers.

Perhaps the positions with the most depth are the Panther lines. Blocking for the Panther playmakers are senior Trey Smith, juniors Shaun Stewart, Caleb Cromer, Alex Alvarez, Justin Pruitt, Fredy Rivera and Rajuess Rooks, and sophomore Sam Stewart.

“I feel a lot more comfortable with our players, a little more safe around the line. We’ve got a lot of chemistry,” McAteer said.

Cromer, Alvarez, Pruitt, Rivera and Rooks all flip over to the defensive line. Seniors Andres Garcia and John David Vargas, Griggs, Killian, Ledford, McDaniel, Smith, Shaun and Sam Stewart are the Panther linebackers.

Collinsville’s secondary should also have depth with Coker, Morgan, Beene and Lang all returning starters. Backing them up is McAteer, James, Steele and Adams.

Collinsville competes in Class 2A, Region 7 along with Fyffe, Pisgah, North Sand Mountain, Sand Rock, Ider, Section and Whitesburg Christian. Following a jamboree game at home against Pleasant Valley on Aug. 25, the Panthers open the regular season at Gaylesville on Sept. 1.

“We’re extremely excited to get this season underway,” Willingham said. “Our summer has been very productive. The effort and attitude have been exceptional. We’ve got a lot of kids back and we hope we can be competitive in every game this year. We’ll just have to see how it works out.”

2023 Collinsville Football Schedule
Sept. 1 at Gaylesville
Sept. 8 at Section
Sept. 15 Pisgah
Sept. 22 at Sand Rock
Sept. 29 Gaston
Oct. 6 Fyffe
Oct. 13 at Ider
Oct. 20 Whitesburg Christian
Oct. 27 North Sand Mountain
Nov. 2 at Valley Head