KFDM COOP Posted August 5, 2009 Report Posted August 5, 2009 Anahuac looks to make it two in a row By Robert Chambliss Correspondent Published August 5, 2009 ANAHUAC — Last season the Anahuac Panthers ended their four-year drought of first place district finishes by posting a 8-2 regular season record and a 6-0 District 23-2A record. The Panthers went on to play one more game, but lost to the number two team Kirbyville in the state playoffs. But all of that is behind the Panthers now. Time has gone on and the memories were let go. What happens next for the Panthers? Well, according to head coach Darrell Barbay and key players, practice. “Right now we are just trying to see what we have,†Barbay said. “Our guys look in decent shape right now, but we are not where we need to be. “We will get better though. You can count on that. “So far, our skills guys look good and so does our line. Our defense will be stronger this year, I can tell, and overall it looks like we are going to be a better team.†Key offensive tackle Alfredo Rodriguez believes that their strength will be a key to the Panthers’ success. “Well right now, we are strong,†Rodriguez said. “We are playing overall better than last year, and we are running the plays better. “I feel that if we hit the weights and maintain our strength, we will win a lot of games.†The Panthers graduated a few key players including quarterback Jacob Pesina and halfback Deior McNeil, but that doesn’t bother probable quarterback and starting middle linebacker Cody Johnson. “This year we must continue to work,†Johnson said. “We must continue to play football better, practice hard and learn the plays. If we can do these things, I feel we will be all right. “As far as the quarterback position goes, it is still in the air. Every day I am out here working hard trying to get the position. I look at it as helping us, because we are all working hard to get the position. “If I get it, I will do whatever I can to help lead my team to a win.†Replacing a back like McNeil seems like an impossible feat after the numbers he put up, but for new halfback Dewan Childress, this is not a problem. “Well this year our team is improving in a lot of different areas,†Childress said. “Our youngsters are learning the program as well as some of us older guys. “We will be doing good come season start, when all of the players have completely learned the system.†The Panthers continue through the next two weeks in their two-a-day program. They scrimmage at Hamshire-Fannett Aug. 15 and against Tarkington at home Aug. 20 before opening the season at Houston Kinkaid Aug. 28.
liltex Posted August 5, 2009 Report Posted August 5, 2009 After all the Ike destruction hope the best for the Panthers of 09.
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