Modesto Panthers Outlook

By Richard T. Estrada
restrada@modbee.com

E-Mail

Comments (0)

Text Size:

tool goes here

Coach: Rod Long

Career record: 29-53

Record at school: 29-53

View Larger Map
Modesto Schedule
- Sept. 11, at Stagg-Stockton
- Sept. 18, Sonora (MJC)
- Sept. 25, Turlock (Downey)
- Oct. 2, Jesuit (MJC)
- Oct. 9, at Patterson
- Oct. 16, Johansen (Downey)
- Oct. 23, Davis (Downey)
- Oct. 29, Beyer (Downey)
- Nov. 6, at Downey
- Nov. 13, Enochs (Downey)

Last season: Modesto (2-3, 2-8) was 0-7 before wins over Beyer and Downey, and was battling for a playoff berth the last week of the season.

Last league title: 2005

Last playoff berth: 2005

Top returners: QB/FS Klayton Miller (jr., 6-2, 190), RB/OLB James Ingram (5-9, 165), OT/DT Anthony Amaya (6-6, 335), CB/WR Aaron Washington (5-10, 170), RB/OLB Arquel Rogers (jr., 5-9, 180), DL/FB Irae Hosea (5-10, 280), DL/G Jesus Tabarez (5-11, 240), WR/OLB Anthony Salinas (5-11, 185), G/DL Israel Medellin (5-11, 200), T/DE Alejandro Cabrera (6-4, 230), LB/C Elijah Harris (6-1, 200).

Top newcomers: FB/LB Fernando Perez (jr., 5-10, 195), LB/G Washington Pesaleli (jr., 5-11, 230), C/DL Miguel Yanez (jr., 6-0, 230).

Outlook: Miller (85 of 145, 1,149 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs) took about two-thirds of the snaps last year and went 16 of 27 for 263 and two TDs in a 28-21 loss to Enochs in Week 10. Had two interceptions in Week 1, but just two in his final 127 pass attempts. Has mobility � 83-yard TD run, 148 yards rushing vs. Sonora � but many of his runs were unplanned. Ingram (276 yards, 2 TDs) and Rogers (502 yards, 7-yard average, 3 TDs) were starters last fall, though neither was consistent. If they put it together, the Panthers will have big-play capability.

Worth noting: Modesto is breaking in a new defensive line and linebackers, but the secondary is experienced. ... Four talented offensive linemen should help protect Miller and create openings for the running backs. That formula led Johansen to a conference title last year. ... The most difficult part of the schedule is the preseason: Sonora, Turlock, Jesuit and Patterson. They�ll prepare the Panthers for anything in the MMC.

Key game: Week 2 vs. Sonora. Panthers have a new offensive coordinator and need to establish the offense before Week 3 game vs. Turlock.

*-Seniors unless noted