In their 16th year under head coach Duke Nelson, the Panthers compiled a 5–1–1 record and outscored opponents by a total of 106 to 72.
[1] The Panthers took the Vermont state football championship for the fourth time in six years.
Claflin also led the team with 411 yards of total offense.
Fullback Gordon Van Nes led the team in rushing (228 yards) and scoring (36 points).
[3] Five Middlebury players were selected by WCAX-TV (Burlington) as first-team players on its 1961 all-state football team: Kernie Claflin; Jim Shattuck; Gordie Van Nes; Gil Owren; and Paul Fava.