Hartnell College (9-2, 5-1)
An argument can be made that the Panthers are building a dynasty with four straight conference titles and three bowl wins.
The offense has been explosive while the defense has produced six Division I players in the last five years -- one of which is in the NFL.
Retooling this program for a fifth straight title means finding new faces at critical positions, namely quarterback and tailback.
Hartnell has had a tailback rush for over 1,000 yards five straight years. But who takes the mantel this fall with Sherrod Hawkes sitting out the season?
Former Palma tailback Marcus Washington was having a great camp until he was hit by a car last week. While he suffered no major injuries, he was bruised up.
The Panthers do have highly recruited 6-4 receiver Ronnie Turner back, along with his 48 catches and 1,000 plus receiving yards.
Don't be mislead by quarterback Justyn Gutierrez's 5-foot-9 frame. All he does is complete passes and win games. And he's got a year under his belt in understanding the system.
Defensively Palma alum Hildelv Manzur and sophomore Reggie McGee return to shore up the front line that includes freshman Eduardo Barbosa. Soledad grad Jose Martinez is back in the secondary.
For all the success the Panthers have established during their title runs, three of their last four losses have come at home -- including both games at Rabobank Stadium last year.
You have to protect your house.
Go to montereyherald.com for a video interview with coach Matt Collins.
1 comment:
Being 5'9 definitely hurts Justyn. I would imagine there will be some passes batted down at the LOS this year. Its a good thing he has a 6'4 WR to throw to on the outside. The defense should be solid this year. Coach Collins has done a great job recruiting and turning this program around.
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