CHESAPEAKE — For the Chesapeake Panthers, one is the loneliest number.

The loss of a lot of key performers has proven to create quite a problem for Chesapeake veteran coach Phil Davis.

“We don’t have the depth we’ve had. We don’t have that second guy in each event,” said Davis.

Although the second strong performer in each event is missing, there are plenty of first-line performer who will make the Panthers a contender in a lot of meets.

The two key returning runners are seniors Adam Slone and Kenny Morgan. Davis expects both to generate a lot of points.

“Those are pretty good, quality sprinters,” said Davis. “We’ll run them in the open events and probably in some relays. Morgan is more of a 100- and 200-meters guy and Slone is more of a 400 guy.”

Giving the Panthers solid hope in the middle to long distance races is junior Tyler Cravens who should compete in the 800 and 1600 races.

“He has been running pretty well for us. He’s coming along,” said Davis.

Chesapeake has two strong performers in the field events with a couple of juniors. Brad Wiley “is throwing pretty well” according to Davis who is expecting points in the discus and shot put.

The other performer is junior Aaron Ross in the pole vault. Ross is capable of 12-feet.

“Ross is pretty good. He does a nice job and he’s only going to get better,” said Davis.

“Right now we’re just hoping for the younger guys to step up.”

The Panthers will be the host team at 5 p.m. today for the annual Chesapeake Lions Club Invitational featuring a 9-team field for boys and girls.

Teams competing include Chesapeake, Rock Hill, Coal Grove, South Point, Fairland, River Valley, Gallipolis, Ironton and Winfield, W.Va.

“Winfield has had a lock on the combined trophy. Galipolis has won the girls’ trophy. Winfield looks strong again and maybe stronger in the girls than the boys for a change,” said Davis.