For the second year in a row the Panthers got off to a quick start when they opened with seven straight wins.

Following their only regular season loss to Bushland they won the next two to reach the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Division II. However, their playoff run was short-lived as they lost a heartbreaking 21-20 overtime decision to Friona in bidistrict.

If the Panthers are to make their sixth playoff appearance of the decade they will have to do so with a young team that features only three returning starters on offense and two on defense.

They went to the spread offense last season under head coach Ricky Peacock and averaged more than 300 yards per game on offense, while scoring more than 50 points on three occasions.

"Our team surprised a lot of people last season because we had graduated a lot of seniors off our 2007 team," said Peacock. "Not much was expected from us, but our kids over-achieved and had a nice season.

"If our young linemen come through for us on both sides of the ball we think we can get better as the season goes along."

Stats

2008 Record: 9-2 overall, 4-1 in District 1-2A. Lost to Friona 21-10 in OT in bidistrict.

What Coach Peacock Says: "We will have to replace a lot of starters in key positions. We think we will be able to compete for a playoff berth if we can stay healthy and have some early success that we can build on."

Returning Experience: Nine lettermen, three offensive and two defensive starters.

Players To Watch: Michael Sternberg, RB-DB; Jonathan Diaz, WR-DB; Jacob Cameron, QB-LB; Ryan Neely, OL-DL; Zach Guillot, OL-DL; Andrew Archuleta, OL-DL.

Promising Newcomers: Tanner Clay, OL-LB; Lane Stanford, OL-DL.

Basic Offense: Spread.

Basic Defense: Split Six.

Keys To Success: The Panthers will be a young team this season in terms of age and experience. They must grow up quickly and find leadership in the offensive and defensive lines. Jacob Cameron was the team’s backup QB last season, and will be counted on this year to lead the spread offense.

High School Enrollment: 247.

2008 JV Record: 6-4.

Playoff History: 1935, 1936 (regional champion), 1937 (regional champion), 1938 (regional), 1948, 1972, 1979, 1980 (quarterfinals), 1981, 1982 (area), 1983 (area), 1984 (state finals), 1985, 1986 (regional), 1987 (area), 1988, 1989 (quarterfinals), 1991, 1995, 1996, 2002 (area), 2003 (state semifinals), 2004, 2006, 2008.