THE CASE FOR THE PANTHERS
North Valleys has a new coach, Anthony Doucette, and he brings new energy to the team as he has several years of experience as an assistant, both at North Valleys and at Hug.
The Panthers have several key players to replace, but Doucette is confident he has the personnel to do so. Longtime starting quarterback Daniel Lewis is playing football at City College of San Francisco now, but his backup, Melando Cachapero gained valuable playing time last season when Lewis was injured for four games.
“The kids are really focused and we’re making sure their attitude is good every day,” Doucette said. “They’ve really responded well to our coaching.”
North Valleys has a pair of experienced running backs to take the pressure off Cachapero. Joe Nelson and Alex Palko, both seniors, will handle the majority of snaps.
They’ll find holes behind a pair of returning offensive linemen, Miguel Gonzalez, a 5-foot-10, 230-pound junior guard and Hunter Grundmeyer, a 5-10, 225-pound center in his third varsity season.
One of Cachapero’s main targets will be Micah Millar (6-3, 160), who started nine games last year.
The Panthers’ defense is young so Doucette is counting on being fundamentally sound there and playing assignment football.
“We want to make sure we’re being good tacklers and make sure we have 11 guys running to the football at all times,” Doucette said.
PLAYER I WANT TO SEE
Alex Palko, RB/DB, Senior
The senior is poised for a breakout season, especially as Cachapero gets used to playing quarterback again.
KEY PLAYERS
Joe Nelson, RB/DB, Senior
The senior also has varsity experience running the ball and he will follow a solid O-line.
Melando Cachapero, QB, Senior
The senior quarterback started four games last season for the injured Daniel Lewis.
Micah Millar, WR, Senior
Millar provides a big target for Cachapero and he learned the ropes last season behind talented duo Jesse Krueger and Anthony Hankins.
THE FILE ON NORTH VALLEYS
COACH: Anthony Doucette
REGION/LEAGUE: Division I North/High Desert
STATE TITLES: None
ADDRESS: 1470 E Golden Valley Road, Reno
2014 SCHEDULE
|
Aug. 28 |
vs. Lowry |
7 p.m. |
|
Sept. 5 |
vs. Douglas |
TBA |
|
Sept. 12 |
vs. Carson |
7 p.m. |
|
Sept. 19 |
at Galena |
7 p.m. |
|
Sept. 26 |
at Damonte Ranch |
7 p.m. |
|
Oct. 3 |
vs. Spanish Springs* |
7 p.m. |
|
Oct. 17 |
at Reed* |
7 p.m. |
|
Oct. 24 |
at McQueen* |
7 p.m. |
|
Oct. 30 |
vs. Reno* |
7 p.m. |
|
Nov. 7 |
at Hug* |
7 p.m. |
* denotes league game
Most Important Game: Aug. 28 vs. Lowry.After disappointing 2013 campaign, the Panthers will be tested in the first game of the season against a strong Lowry squad.
2013 RESULTS
|
Aug. 30 |
vs. Damonte Ranch |
L, 49-0 |
|
Sept. 6 |
vs. Galena |
L, 45-14 |
|
Sept. 13 |
at Bishop Manogue |
L, 41-35 |
|
Sept. 20 |
at Carson |
L, 49-12 |
|
Oct. 4 |
at Reno* |
W, 47-21 |
|
Oct. 11 |
vs. McQueen* |
L, 39-7 |
|
Oct. 18 |
vs. Reed* |
L, 59-40 |
|
Oct. 24 |
at Spanish Springs* |
L, 49-35 |
|
Nov. 1 |
vs. Hug* |
W, 47-0 |
* denotes league game
Recap: The Panthers lost the tiebreaker for the last spot in the playoffs.
