The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for Week 2 of the preseason with a trip to Houston. The team is set to have a joint practice with the Houston Texans on Thursday, followed by a game on Saturday afternoon with a 1 p.m. kickoff.

In their recent matchup against the Cleveland Browns, the Panthers’ starters made a strong impression. Quarterback Bryce Young led a touchdown drive, connecting with his young receivers, including Jalen Coker for a touchdown. Offensive coordinator Dave Canales has named Austin Corbett as the starting center.

The Panthers will practice in Charlotte on Tuesday before traveling to Houston on Wednesday.

In college football, East Carolina University (ECU) is back at work preparing for their second and final intrasquad scrimmage on Friday night. The ECU defense showed promise in their first scrimmage, with new defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge expressing satisfaction with the team’s progress. “They are just figuring it out as they go through the process,” Aldridge said. The Pirates will don full pads again on Wednesday as they inch closer to their season opener against NC State.

In high school football, Ayden-Grifton High School has a new head coach. Garrett Wingate takes over the Chargers program from Paul Cornwell, who is now the County Athletic Director. Wingate said, “It wasn’t broke when Paul was the head coach, so there isn’t much fixing to do,” especially with two-way star E.J. Ruffin at running back and linebacker. The Chargers will open their season at Princeton on August 22.

Congratulations are in order for the Wilson Tobs, who are the 2025 Petit Cup champions. The Tobs rallied from a 9-1 deficit, with Chase Waddell delivering a bases-clearing hit to secure a 10-9 lead. They defeated Forest City in two straight games to claim their first-ever Coastal Plains Conference title. The Tobs have been a member of the CPL since its formation in 1997, making this their first title in 28 years.

In NASCAR, Shane van Gisbergen continues to dominate road courses, securing his fourth consecutive road course victory and fifth overall at Watkins Glen in Upstate New York. Van Gisbergen now has 22 playoff points and sits in third place with two regular-season races remaining, the next being in Richmond, Virginia.