PANORA — Mike Kauzlarich will be the first new head coach on the Panorama sideline for many years when the season kicks off tonight at Fort Dodge St. Edmond.
Kauzlarich takes over for veteran head coach Lyle Alumbaugh, who resigned after last season before deciding to take an assistant coaching position at ADM.
The new coach faces several challenges, as graduations and disciplinary issues have combined to limit the returning experience for the Panthers, who were 3-6 overall last year and 1-6 in district play.
Panorama is now a member of Class 1A District 8, with also includes AC/GC, Clarinda, Mt. Ayr, Van Meter and West Central Valley.
While the running back and receiver positions have been depleted of veterans, junior Luke South gives Kauzlarich an experienced hand at quarterback, as this will be his third season under center.[wpedon id=”85410″ align=”left”]
South was 101-of-196 for 1,152 yards and seven touchdowns through the air last year. He was intercepted 10 times. South was also dangerous as a runner, scoring 14 times and gaining 310 yards on 91 carries.
His contributions also continued as the team punter, where he averaged a booming 41 yards per boot.
Gracen Welberg caught 11 passes for 79 yards and was the reserve placekicker, hitting 5-of-6 PAT kicks.
Speedy Spencer Hunt pulled in six passes in 2017, gaining 163 yards and scoring three TDs.
Senior linebacker Trey Cobb led the defense with 63 tackles last season and will be a key for the unit again this fall. He had three tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries and one interception which he returned for 20 yards.[wpedon id=”85410″ align=”left”]
Connor Powell had 33.5 stops last year. He had five tackles for a loss, two sacks and two fumble recoveries, with South in on 30.5 tackles while Koltin Sloss had 23 denials. South had three interceptions and a fumble recovery, with Hunt and Zac Rizzuti also intercepting passes.
All games this season will kick off at 7 p.m. After facing host FDSE tonight,the Panthers will welcome Northwest Webster Aug. 31 for their home opener.
