Panthers

VCSPrep/VC Star League Ranking: 2

Nickname: Panthers.

Coach: Gary Fabricius (2nd year).

2008 record, league finish: 7-4, 4-3, tied for third.

2008 playoffs: Lost to St. Bonaventure in first round.

Top returning players: RB Cameron Roberson, WR Phillip Muscarella, QB Jake Geringer, OL Patrick Smith, OL Tom Diefenthaler, LB Drake Exstrom, DL Michael La Perche.

Promising newcomers: WR Dakota Dunlea, WR Chad Hutchins, WR Nelson Duarte.

Outlook: Few teams have a trio of skill players to match Roberson, Muscarella and Geringer. Roberson is a potential league MVP who rushed for 1,457 yards and 18 TDs last year. With returnees Smith and Diefenthaler up front, the Panthers will field another potent offense. The defense should be solid too, led by Exstrom and La Perche.

Quote: “We’ve definitely got some guys who are playmakers. We’ve got to be sure they get their touches.” — Fabricius

1. 
   November 27, 2009
   Photo by Jeffrey Earle

   St. Bonaventure's Devon Blackledge catches a pass and runs to the goal as Newbury Park's Christian Hutchins tries to get a hold of him during Friday night's CIF quarterfinal game. PhotoSearch: vcsfootball, vcsnewbury, vcsstbonaventure

   
   
2. 
   November 27, 2009
   Photo by Jeffrey Earle

   St. Bonaventure's Devon Blackledge runs down the sideline as Newbury Park's Sean Garry grabs onto his shirt but can't hold on for the tackle. PhotoSearch: vcsfootball, vcsnewbury, vcsstbonaventure

   
   
3. 
   November 27, 2009
   Photo by Jeffrey Earle

   St. Bonaventure's Devon Blackledge gets past Newqbury Park's Sean Garry in the second quarter of the Friday night game. St. Bonaventure was ahead at the half, 22-0. PhotoSearch: vcsfootball, vcsnewbury, vcsstbonaventure