North Valleys Panthers Season Preview
Updated: Aug. 6, 2024
By: J. Ray Dockter
We are just under two weeks away from the start of high school football in the Silver State and I couldn't be more excited. Over the next few weeks, I'll be previewing many teams from our local area as well as a few other surprises, before getting into football season full swing on Aug. 16th when the first games kickoff. Today's team: North Valleys.
North Valleys Panthers
2023 record: 3-8 overall, 1-4 league
Head coach: Brad Rose, third season at North Valleys (5-15 overall, 2-8 league in two seasons at North Valleys; 17-47 overall, 13-36 league over seven seasons at Sparks and North Valleys)
Overview:
The North Valleys Panthers are coming off their first playoff win in school history. Twenty-two years after the school on East Golden Valley Road opened, Coach Rose and his squad made history when they defeated the Carson Senators 22-6 to end their season last fall.
After starting their season off with a resounding 42-7 win against Sparks, the Panthers lost their next seven games, two of which were brutal single point losses to both Wooster and Carson, before winning their season finale in the 'Valley Cup' against Hug by a score of 14-6. That victory set the Panthers up for what could arguably be called the school's biggest victory ever. That victory came the following week in the aforementioned defeat of Carson in the playoffs avenging the loss they suffered just 13 days earlier on the same field and to the same squad. The Panthers story ended there for all intents and purposes as they were pummeled the following week by No. 1 seed Douglas 47-0.
The euphoria that surrounded the last few weeks of the season for the Panthers last year has carried them into and through the offseason and Rose says "[The win against Carson] was a big motivator for our kids - during the offseason and this upcoming season." The Panthers have made a few changes to their coaching staff in hopes of producing more points this year.
Rose has stepped aside as the lead play caller and hands the reigns over to new offensive coordinator Hank Roberts (who last year coached WRs on Bishop Manogue's State Championship team, and has prior head coach experience at Galena and Santa Clara, Calif. HS), as he'll double as the Panthers WRs coach and Strength and Conditioning coach as well. These chnages are sure to accelerate the pace of the Panthers play this season as the Panthers return eight offensive starters from last season's squad. Defensively no big changes were afoot this past offseason and Rose thinks that's a good thing for a squad that returns nine starters on that side of the ball.
Last year's success was captured by Rose when he said "our kids realize that that [victory against Carson] gave us a good outlook and that it was part of the process for building our foundation and culture moving forward." He continued on stating "It also helped us realize how good we could've been seeing that we lost two games by one point a piece." Later in our conversation he concluded by saying "this season is our next step - we have a chance to take a special moment and build upon it for this season."
Rose was quick to point out that the key to his team's success this season is "We have so many committed third year guys that are ready to roll, they continue to trust the process, their strength in the weight room - where they attacked it was the best year we've had for me at North Valleys. We are bigger, faster and stronger - the pay off is coming." Bringing back a lot of returners helps us with our renewed commitment to the culture change, trust, philosophy and direction. Also of note, look for the Panthers to have a renewed commitment to special teams this season as Rose was quick to point out "it cost us two games last season."
Don't believe what the Panthers coach is selling this season? I had a rival coach tell me "North Valleys will be much improved this year, [Brad and his staff] do a great job coaching those kids up, they are significantly better, and they are a dark horse to contend for the league and regional championships this season." Only time will tell if the Panthers can put it all together this season.
Players to Watch:
RB/LB Hector Nunez, Senior: Set the school record for tackles in a single season last year and will most likely break the career record this season. Nunez has next level intensity, and Rose said "he is someone the Panthers will lean on heavily this season and you'll hear a lot about him." If the Panthers break through he has a shot at Defensive Player of the Year.
DB Sione Fonohra, Senior: Described as a "Lengthy, fast corner who had a ton of deflections last year," He checks in at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, I believe that he has a chance to lead the league in interceptions this year after deflecting ten passes and racking up 36 tackles.
QB Mikole Almond, Junior: Started for the Panthers down the stretch last season, throwing for 717 yards and three touchdowns to go with a pair of rushing scores, Almond will be looked upon to direct the Panthers offense into the future. The sky's the limit for this kid.
WR/DB Zach Clarke, Senior: Clarke gained 128 receiving yards last season in the Panthers run heavy offense but according to Rose "[He is] Great on defense and has the opportunity to wow at receiver this season. He could have a Nick Palko/Aaron Short type impact in the passing game this season." High praise for a kid who is expected to go both ways for the Panthers.
TE Isaac McBride, Junior - After beginning the season at QB McBride found his home at Tight End late last season. Rose said "He is a prototypical tight end who is strong as hell." After accounting for 356 yards of total offense to go along with six touchdowns Rose expects him to "shine in his role this season." He continued on saying "He has a big body and all the tools to be a great tight end." I think his development will prove fruitful for all parties this season.
Season Schedule:
Aug. 16 at Sparks
Aug. 23 at Churchill County
Aug. 30 vs. Lowry
Sep. 6 vs. Douglas
Sep. 13 at McQueen
Sep. 19 vs. Wooster
Sep. 27 at Galena
Oct. 4 at Damonte Ranch
Oct. 11 Bye Week
Oct. 18 vs. Carson
Oct. 24 vs. Hug
J. Ray Dockter has been covering high school sports since 2022 and is a proud 2004 graduate of North Valleys. If you have a story worth telling let him know via Twitter @J_RayDoc.
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