CLAY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Out in Clay County, a team fresh off a post-season appearance is looking for more in 2025.

Panthers head coach Jason Nichols has been in the game awhile, but the feeling of Friday night kickoffs never get old.

"It never gets any less exciting," Nichols said. "You've always got those butterflies in anticipation."

While Clay will be the home team on week 1, the team will not be in their home stadium. New turf is being installed on campus and won’t be ready for Friday night. The team hasn’t even had a chance to practice there yet.

But the entire team is excited for it to be completed.

"It's nice being the first class to get to play on it," wide receiver Jakoby Nichols said.

"The kids are excited," added Coach Nichols. "They step out on the porch every day to look at the progress. We didn't quite get it done in time to play this Friday. Thankfully Roane [High School] stepped up and let us come over and play at their field.

"We've been displaced all summer long. We've practiced on the baseball field, practiced in the gym."

The Panthers are facing steep expectations and as they look to go deeper in the postseason in 2025.

"We felt like we put some work in in the offseason," Nichols said. "Especially having a new quarterback. He put in a lot of work with the guys, just trying to get ready and get him prepared, get him ready for his first year starting."

Clay County plays Midland Trail Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.