LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The Lenoir City Panthers play in one of the toughest districts in East Tennessee, but they aren't daunted by the challenge.

There's no joy in playing in the same league as Maryville, Farragut, Bearden, West and Catholic. But Mike Zeller's team overcame the murderous schedule last season to earn its first playoff berth since 2004.

This year, they're looking to get back. And things are looking up.

Six starters return on each side of the ball for Zeller, who is in his fourth year at Lenoir City. Talented junior transfer Camion Patrick, a 6-foot-2 receiver, promises to give the offense a spark.

The schedule doesn't get any easier -- the Panthers travel to Bearden and West and host Farragut, Maryville and Catholic.

But as the outlook continues to improve in North Loudon County, look for Zeller's scrappy squad to compete more successfully against every team in the district.