Panthers look forward to opening game test against Baker
By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:48 AM PDT
Parma — To start the 2008 season, the Parma High School football team will be tested early as they open the year by jumping up two classes and hosting the Baker City Bulldogs.
In 2007, the Panthers began the season with four straight wins, and are looking for that kind of start this year.
Parma is poised to make a lot of noise this season with 18 returning starters, who according to Parma head coach Greg Asbury have all grown and became stronger during the off-season.
“Baker is a real well coached team, and they run a system and to not veer from it,” Asbury, who has compiled a career record of 78-44 said. “They have decent size up front and some speed at the tailback position. They will be a good test for us coming out of the gate.”
Size and speed are things Asbury know a little about.
The Panthers starting line comes in averaging 6-feet, 1-inch, and they are tipping the scale at an average weight of 252 pounds.
Leading the way is senior lineman Kieran Riley, who stands at 6-1, 300-pounds.
As for speed, the Panthers have a couple of skill players that are stopping the watch at 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash in Dalton Koplin and Terrell Timmons.
Also expected to make a difference is the quarterback-tight end combination of Rance Portenier and Randy Riley.
Offensively, Asbury wants his team to be able control the football and to do what they know what to do.
“We want to stay balanced, about a 60 percent run 40 percent pass,” Asbury said.
The Parma defense has bolstered up in the off season and Asbury said they are strong and quick.
“If the kids show up and do what they have been taught, I think we will be just fine,” Asbury said. “They have been working hard and it should be a great game.”
Parma and 4A Baker will take the field at 7 p.m.
