2013 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Delta Panthers

Northwest Ohio Athletic League

2013 Delta Panthers

Row 1: Mark Francis, Devon Witcher, Christian Valentine, Tyler Fahrer, Will Rabquer, Jeff McQuillen, Todd Miller, Michael Morrisey, Tristan Miller, Cody Matthews, Chris Kaczmrek

Row 2: Dylan Nostrant, Caleb Losie, Ethan Edwards, John Winterfeld, Tristan Carter, Ryan Patchin, Alex Lutheran, Mason Jessing, Zeke Anderson, Bailey Seeman, Tyler Fraker

Row 3: Colin Hoffman, Devon Richards, Austin Sayen, Aaron Abbott, Dustin Myers, Josiah Gerity, Ron Vargas, Evan Vasquez, Bailey Storeholder, Dustin Marteney, Deonte Martens

Row 4: David Wandtke, Jacob Buchhop, Austin Stickley, Dylan Swilegood, Jesse Beverly, Sam Wolpert, Charles Wandtke, Jacob Wolford, Dylan Smith

Row 5: Coaches Jeff Wolford, Britt Knopp, Devin Sibby, Kent Kortnell, Bill Anderson, Myles Holliday, head coach Mike Vicars, Scott Tenney

ABOUT THE TEAM

Coach: Mike Vicars, first year

Last season: 2-8, 1-7 NWOAL

Returning letter winners: 14

Returning starters: Offense 5, defense 5

Schemes: Multiple wing-T/​multiple 50

Top players: Seniors Tyler Fahrer, 5-9, 175, RB-DL; Michael Morrissey, 5-9, 215, OL-LB; Cody Mathews, 5-9, 170, RB-LB; Todd Miller, 5-10, 165, OL-DL. Juniors Dylan Nostrant, 5-6, 150, RB-DB; John Winterfeld, 5-8, 180, OL-LB; Ethan Edwards, 5-10, 160, WR-DB; Tyler Fraker, 5-11, 155, WR-DB; Mark Francis, 5-10, 175, RB-DB.

Outlook: A new era begins for the Panthers, who welcome back Vicars to try and resuscitate a team that has struggled in recent years.

However, Vicars, who led Delta to two NWOAL championships and a 62-29 record during his first stint, said he's not returning with "magic dust" in his possession.

Two top players from his Delta team — his son, Ryan, and Nate Kmic — are part of the coaching staff.

"This is a big challenge for me personally," Vicars said.

The biggest hurdle is building a winning mentality.

Fahrer, who rushed for 264 yards on 68 carries last season, is statistically the top returning offensive threat as Vicars implements the Wing-T offense.

Morrissey, Mathews and Miller are among the seniors looked at for leadership. Nostrant, Winterfeld and Edwards are among top juniors.

DELTA SCHEDULE

Aug. 30-Toledo Christian

Sep. 6-Evergreen

Sep. 13-at Bryan

Sep. 20-at Wauseon

Sep. 27-Rogers

Oct. 4-Patrick Henry

Oct. 11-Archbold

Oct. 18-at Swanton

Oct. 25-at Liberty Center

Nov. 1-Montpelier