Panther football team hopeful for a big year
August 25, 2015
Ask anyone around the Starr’s Mill campus– football players, coaches, staff or students– and they would all say the same thing: they’re ready for this year’s football season.
They’ve actually been ready since last year’s playoff game against Ware County, the state’s No. 1 team. The Panthers lost 45-10, but the team showed great potential in the game,a keeping it a one possession game until the third quarter. Many of those players are back this year, and are ready to show that potential.
“We have a bunch of returning starters,” head coach Chad Phillips said. “A lot of guys are battle-tested, and everybody is excited because we can see the talent we have.” The team has nine returning starters on both sides of the ball, and expectations are soaring this year.
2014 Record 6-5 (5-2 in region)
Most Important Players
Many of the key players of the year are on the offensive side of the ball, starting with sophomore running back Rico Frye. The coaches had high praise for the second-year starters commitment and dedication over the off-season.
“He’s done everything we have asked him to do since last season,” Phillips said. “He only missed one day of practice and didn’t miss a workout all summer. He’s just gotten bigger, faster and stronger and will be better this year than he was last year.”
Frye was the first freshman in Starr’s Mill history to achieve 1,000 yard season when he finished with 1,272 yards last year.
“The tempo of the game is much faster than it was in 8th grade,” Frye said, reflecting on last season. “You’ve got to bring your A game all the time.”
Senior Dion Munnerlyn is set to dominate both sides of the ball. He will be playing in the backfield of the Panther offense but will also try out a new position at defensive end.
“He is very athletic,” defensive-coordinator Jeff Schmidlkofer said. “He has got a lot to learn in the position, but he is athletic enough to make up for a mistake.”
Most Important Games
One of the biggest games on the schedule will be against a cross-town rival that the Panthers have not beaten in 4 years, the Whitewater Wildcats. The game will be the first one of the regular season, set for this Friday, Aug. 28.
“Personally, and as a team, we are looking forward to the Whitewater game,” senior utility player Satchel Goodrich said. “We feel like we need redemption for last year and the couple of years they have beaten us.”
The away game against Drew on Oct. 2 is another big game on the docket. The Titans beat the Panthers 67-43 in an offensive shootout in which the Panthers gave up a total of 632 yards.
“As a coaching staff, we have really focused on Drew,” Phillips said. “If you can beat them, which we were up with nine minutes to go in the game last year, then you have a good shot at the region championship game.”
As always, students are looking forward to the “Battle of the Bubble” against McIntosh at home on Oct. 9.
“It is one of the best games to be at. The game from sophomore year was great,” said senior Tim Im, referring to the Mill’s comeback after their only loss to McIntosh the year before. “Hopefully this years will live up to the hype.”
Biggest Question Marks
The quarterback position is one to look out for this year. As of now, sophomore Joey Deluca has been getting the most reps in practice and will be starting the season opener against Whitewater.
“Deluca has looked really good this summer, but that is just dress rehearsal, so to speak,” Phillips said. “It is different when the lights are on and you are playing in front of thousands of people.”
Phillips trusts the young starter, but Goodrich will be the back-up plan if needed.
“I’ll be ready if they call my name to play quarterback,” Goodrich said. “Knowing the coaches, they won’t put me in until they really need somebody to step in, but Joey had a great scrimmage and should be prepared for Whitewater.”
The Panthers dominated Pike County in their scrimmage on Aug. 14, winning 40-12. The team took this win as a good sign, and they hope their hard work will pay off as they begin the regular season this Friday against the Wildcats.
