Glouer's Funeral Home

MCCOMB, Ohio (WNWO) — Watching film was a lot more relaxed for the McComb Panthers on Sunday.McComb took care of business in Canton on Saturday, defeating Glouser Trimble 28-3, and won their first state championship since 1983.It's the first for Head Coach Kris Alge in his 21 years patrolling the sidelines in McComb, as well."I had a coach say 'hey, if you coach long enough, you'll get one.' Sometimes you wonder if it's ever going to come around again. We had a special group, and we stayed healthy. A tough region to get through, and these guys just got the job done."For the Panthers, their defense was the story of the season.McComb gave up 14 points or less in 11 of 15 games, and saved their best defensive performance for the state championship game.Senior Tanner Schroeder attributed a lot of the success to his young teammates."Well, week one, we had a lot of young guys starting, so it was kind of their first taste of high school football. They grew tremendously throughout the season, and come week 15, they're not even freshman anymore."It's only the second state title in school history, and Coach Alge says the team that won 35 years ago was along for the ride this year. Some former players came in and talked to the team."They were inspirational, motivational and they said it well. They said, 'we're tired of people talking about the 1983 team. It's time to start talking about the 2018 team.' The kids wanted to do it for them. Not only them, but themselves, and the whole community."Now, the 2018 team will be remembered forever by the 1,600 residents of McComb."We're going to cherish this forever. It's a happy feeling," said Senior Andrew Smith.As far as a town wide celebration, McComb says they will do something next weekend for the Panthers.