French, Defense Leading Panthers Football Into Unchartered Territory

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(November 5, 2023 7:34 AM ET) For eight seasons a group of Western High School football players have been a band of brothers.

At the core is a group of linebackers leading the Panthers to a regional final this week.

Gibson French is one of the ring leaders in the group that has helped Western to a 10-1 record this season.

Opponents are averaging less than nine points per game against the Panthers this season.

French says it is a bond that has been molded since fifth grade.

“It is a family we have been creating since fifth grade,” French said after the Panthers won its third district title in six seasons last Friday. “You can see it out there on the field … we have each other’s back.

“Endless days of lifting in the weight room and practices has led to a brotherhood on the field.”

French already has a brotherhood – and competition – with his older brothers Lue and Brandon. 

“There is a competition between the three of us to do better in sports,” French said. 

French calls this season “the best experience in his life” and would like to continue to play football in college.

“I am still trusting God’s plan and see how far it goes,” French said of his future in football. “The door is always open (to play football next year).”

Western started the season with six consecutive wins before losing a heartbreaking 20-19 contest to Hastings for the Interstate-8 Conference title. The loss may have been “healthy” according to French.

“It was a very healthy loss for us as we saw we are human and can make mistakes,” French said. “The loss helped us to bounce back for the remainder of the season.”

Western has won four consecutive games since the loss – with an average margin of victory of more than 40 points during that span. 

The Western High School senior hopes that continues as the Panthers look to win its first regional championship in football.

“We need to move forward and win trophies and championships,” French said. “Those are the next steps.” 

The Panthers will host Zeeland West High School in the regional final this week. The date and time has yet to be determined.