NWOAL

Delta Panthers

8/22/2012
FROM LEFT:
Row 1: Mason Jessing, Tyler Fraker, Dustin Myers, Bailey
Seeman, Ethan Edwards, Dylan Nostrant, John
Winterfeld, Mark Francis, Caleb Losie, Chris
Kaczmarek, Tristen Carter
Row 2: Alex Lutheran, Michael Morrissey, Connor
Lehman, Tyler Fahrer, Wil Rabquer, Christian Valentine,
Jeffry Mcquillin, Connor Keller, Cody Matthews, Todd
Miller, Jacob Willson
Row 3: Paolo Rodi, AJ Garbers, Ryan Vaughn, Zack
Godsey, Rami Mansour, Micah Mohr, Dominic
Mattimore, Brenden Knopp, Sam Riegsecker
FROM LEFT: Row 1: Mason Jessing, Tyler Fraker, Dustin Myers, Bailey Seeman, Ethan Edwards, Dylan Nostrant, John Winterfeld, Mark Francis, Caleb Losie, Chris Kaczmarek, Tristen Carter Row 2: Alex Lutheran, Michael Morrissey, Connor Lehman, Tyler Fahrer, Wil Rabquer, Christian Valentine, Jeffry Mcquillin, Connor Keller, Cody Matthews, Todd Miller, Jacob Willson Row 3: Paolo Rodi, AJ Garbers, Ryan Vaughn, Zack Godsey, Rami Mansour, Micah Mohr, Dominic Mattimore, Brenden Knopp, Sam Riegsecker

Coach: Nate Ruple, fourth year

Last season: 3-7, 2-6 NWOAL

Returning letter winners: 14

Returning starters: Offense 10, defense 7

Schemes: Wing-T/5-3

Top players: Seniors Micah Mohr, 6-1, 165, QB; Ryan Vaughn, 5-10, 155, OL-DL; Dom Mattimore, 6-1, 230, OL-DL; Shelton Lillich, 6-1, 210, SE-DE; Brenden Knopp, 5-10, 150, RB-DB. Juniors Tyler Fahrer, 5-9, 171, RB-DL; Michael Morrissey, 5-9, 205, OL-LB; Jacob Willson, 5-8, 140, RB-DB.

Outlook: The Panthers have their sites set on improving this season with a much more experienced roster.

The Panthers return one of the NWOAL's top talents in running back Tyler Fahrer, who ranked among the league's leading rushers last season. With limited carries as a sophomore, he gained 294 yards on 83 attempts.

Ruple must find some others to step up and contribute offensively in order for the Panthers to be able to contend. Mohr, as the projected starter at quarterback, will be asked to take the lead on offense. Defensively, the Panthers will rely on Vaughn and Lillich as leaders.

"Going into the 2012 season, we have many returning players from last year's squad," Ruple said. "We will have to rely on the experience of our upperclassmen to lead this football team.

"As far as physical size, we will be one of the smallest teams in the league. To be successful, we'll have to be quick and hard-nosed up front on both sides of the ball."

 

2012 DELTA SCHEDULE

Aug. 24-at Toledo Christian

Aug. 31-at Evergreen

Sept. 7-Bryan

Sept. 14-Wauseon

Sept. 21-Norwalk

Sept. 28-at Patrick Henry

Oct. 5-at Archbold

Oct. 12-Swanton

Oct. 19-Liberty Center

Oct. 26-at Montpelier