Hartnell football

The Panthers have improved in each of head coach Matt Collins' three seasons. After a winless first season, Hartnell won two games in 2009 and five last fall in sharing the Coast Conference title.
There is reason to believe Hartnell will take another step forward this year. Freshman tailback Alvin Jelks' credentials include over 3,200 rushing yards in his last two years at Salinas High.
An influx of talented freshmen include Palma quarterback Austin Fales, who tossed just five interceptions in 172 attempts last fall, and Monterey offensive lineman Michael Milovale.
Anchoring the defense is Junior College all-state linebacker Kiero Small, returning off-conference defensive back Mark Ramos, as well as defensive end Charles Russell.
For the first time in five years, Hartnell received votes among the top teams in Northern California. It will likely be on-the-job training for a youthful offense. Which means defense may have to carry this team for the first month.