HighSchool OT

Panther Creek will contend for the Tri-9 title

By Nick Stevens
Jun 23, 2009

Apex's Mike Fogg, (3) and Joey Powell, (21) stop Panther Creek's Kel Jackson on Friday night, October 17, 2008 at Panther Creek High School in Cary.

Don't adjust your computer monitors, you read the headline right. I think Panther Creek will contend for the Tri-9 conference title this season.

And yes, I'm talking about football.

The obvious choice for many to win the conference is going to be Fuquay-Varina after their successful season last year. The Bengals will be good, as Cory Hunter will return, and I haven't seen too many defenders that are quicker than he is.

Middle Creek will be good too. And like I always say, you never county Apex out in anything.

But here's why I like Panther Creek.

The Catamounts are going to be very balanced on offense something other teams in the conference may struggle with.

Panther Creek picked up Green Hope quarterback Kameron Bryant for the upcoming season after Bryant moved out of the Green Hope district.

Last season, at Green Hope, Bryant threw for more than 1,400 yards. Panther Creek returns several of their top skill players as well.

Leading receiver Graham Love will be a senior this season. Love recorded more than 600 yards receiving last year and scored five touchdowns.

Stephen Womble and Kel Jackson also return. Womble had nearly 400 yards receiving, while Jackson had over 100 yards. Both receivers scored one touchdown off of passes.

The running game should also be strong for Panther Creek.

Jackson led Panther Creek on the ground with over 700 yards and four scores.

The question I have for Panther Creek on offense: can the line do what it needs to do in order to open holes for Jackson and provide protection for Bryant? The offensive line is going to be young and inexperienced, but if they can step up to the plate and do their job, this offense should be a very good one.

Senior lineman Tyler Bailey started on both sides of the ball last season, and he will have to step up and lead the offensive line this season. Rising sophomore R.J. Bently also started on the line last season, and although he is still young, Bently will also be looked to as a leader on the line.

Panther Creek's defense should be strong as well. They return eight starters on the defensive side of the ball. Most notably, the Catamounts lost defensive back Kevin Collins.

The Catamounts do return defensive back Isaiah Johnson and linebacker Phila Gcaba. Both rising juniors, Johnson and Gcaba started last season on the defensive side of the ball.

Last season, Panther Creek allowed about 28 points per game. The defense should be more experienced this season, and I expect their points allowed to drop a lot this season.

We're going to find out a lot about Panther Creek early. The Catamounts open up with a very athletic Leesville Road team on Aug. 21, then play Jordan the following week.

And Panther Creek's first two conference games... Fuquay-Varina and Apex.

So, am I putting a bulls eye on Panther Creek? I don't think so. I think Panther Creek is still playing the underdog role until they prove to the rest of the conference that they're truly one of the top teams.

Do I think they're going to have a bulls eye on them in October? Yes.

Contact Nick Stevens at stevens@ncsportsreport.com.