LOOKING FORWARD TO 2010
2010 SEASON OUTLOOK
Pine View fans disappointed with the 2009 season can cheer up, because 2010 promises to be much better. The Panthers were young last year, and although they lose some starters (Kaden Hosner, KJ Boyer, Braxton Miller, Mike Mclaws), they return 15 for 2010.
On offense Pine View returns both quarterbacks: junior Alec Mecham (6-1 205) and sophomore Braxton Peterson (5-10 191). Last season's competition for the starting spot ended abruptly when Peterson went out with an ankle injury, and Mecham got the start in the first nine games of the season. While Peterson rehabbed his ankle, he saw only limited action in Pine View's six region games, but by season's end he was recovered and got the start in Pine View's first round playoff loss to Spanish Fork. Mecham did play in the fourth quarter of that game and he played well. Assuming both players stay healthy, the competition in 2010 should be intense. Mecham threw the ball effectively last season and on occasion he was impressive, averaging nearly 170 yards a game and completing 133 out of 248 passes for 1695 yards and 20 touchdowns. For his part, Peterson showed flashes of brilliance as a ball carrier, when he was able to play, rushing for 311 yards on 62 carries out of the Panthers' Wildcat offense. He was just 11 of 23 for 188 yards through the air, but he demonstrated a strong arm. Pine View should be solid and deep at this position.
Last year the Panthers returned only one player with significant varsity experience on the offensive line, but next year will be a different story. For 2010 the Panthers return three offensive line starters, as well as several key reserves. Starters include first-team all-region center, Trevor Stott (6-2 250 junior), who will coordinate the blocking up front, tackle Logan Stott (6-3 265), who started all ten games at guard last year as a freshman; and Wes Gardner (5-11 240), who has starting experience at both guard and tackle. Returning reserves include junior Matt Mcbride (6-1 240), junior Simoa Hunt (6-0 300) and sophomore Austin Mickelson (6-3 245). Sophomore TJ Griffiths (6-3 300) and freshmen Cody Boyer (6-5 225), Itila Seamanu (6-0 270) and Anthony Robertson (5-10 280) should also be in the mix.
Two of Pine View's leading receivers, junior wingback Connor Murdock (5-8 155 ) and junior tight end Cole Wilstead (6-4 220 ) return for 2010. Both were all region players as juniors. Returning JV starters include juniors Mike Hansen (5-11 170), Joey Muscalino (5-8 160), and Dallin Tampa (5-10 140) as well as freshman Tyker Olds (6-0 210). Incoming sophomore Haden Goebel (6-4 190) shows promise and could see some playing time.
At running back the Panthers return freshman Prentiss Miller (5-9 170 ), who started the last two games of 2009. Also returning is junior Matt Feula (5-9 200), who started eight games at running back last year before he was moved to linebacker to help shore up the defense. Last year's starter at nose guard and fullback, sophomore Ty Matavao (5-9 234), also returns and may be one Panther who will start both ways.
On defense the Panthers return defensive line starters Matavao, Gardner, and promising freshman Wes Moeai (6-2 230), along with all four starting linebackers: senior Isaac Katoa (6-0 200), Feula, senior Andrew Misa (5-10 210), and senior Will Bangerter (6-2 200). Bangerter, Matavao, and Katoa were named first team all region 9 last year. Newcomer juniors David Tavita (6-0 210) and Kyle Morley (5-9 190) should also figure in on defense.
The secondary graduated all four starters, but Murdock and Miller both saw time at corner, and KJ Guard and Muscalino have experience at the safety spot. Tyler Adair and Dallin Tampa, both starters on the junior varsity, will be expected to contribute at corner.
On special teams, Pine View lost both their kicker and punter, but do return Trevor Stott for his fourth year as the varsity longsnapper. Feula, the backup punter last year, will probably assume the starting job at that position, but the kicker for next year is still a mystery.
