PANTHERS LOOKING TO MAKE SOME NOISE IN 20001

KNOX -- The 2001 Keystone Panthers will look to make some noise in the KSAC.

The Panthers have eight returning starters back on offense and several others that saw considerable action last season.

Led by first-team All-KSAC quarterback Adam Black, coach Dan Reed's Panther squad will look to establish a ground game to complement the outstanding passing game.

Black a senior, has thrown for 2,923 yards in his career trailing only former Keystone standouts Jeremy McCool(3,484) and Tom Pore(4,504). Black threw for 1,353 yards last season and has most of his receiving corps returning from last year’s team. Sophomore Buck Neely will back up Black at the quarterback position.

Senior wide receiver Patrick Irwin's 39 catches and 452 yds.,11.6yds per catch and two TD's not only led the Panthers but the catches and yards were tops in the KSAC last season. Junior Bobby Telesz with 22 catches/237 yards; senior Kurt Carnahan 15 catches and 217 with 3 TD's also return as starters at wide receiver, giving the Panthers a solid group of receivers. Junior Jared Greibel is also expected to contribute at wide receiver. Sophomore Bill Collwell with 11 catches for 58 yards and 14 rushes for 97 yards 1 TD saw considerable action at the H-back position as a freshman is a dangerous once he gets his hands on the ball.

Junior Barry Swartzfager returns at the tight end position with Dave Van Dyke also seeing action there.

The running back position will be handled by a group of runners. Seniors Chris Metcalf, Kurt Carnahan, junior speedster Cody Shaner and freshman Sam Swartzfager will all see playing time at the r position.

The offensive line is led by returning senior starters Erik Dehner and Corey Peterson at the tackle positions and senior guard Neal Jack. Senior center Adam Weeter and junior guard Alex Hartzell round out the starters. Sophomore lineman Evan Peterson, juniors Jake Fye and Andy Monrean add depth to the line. The line may be the key to the success of the Panthers this season as they try to give Black time to find his receivers and establish a ground attack to keep defenses honest.

Senior Kurt Carnahan one of the KSAC's most explosive kick returner in 2000 with 535 return yards and four touchdowns returns to that position. Barry Swartzfager will handle the punting duties while Chris Metcalf will be counted upon to kick extra points and field goals.

Strong safety Chris Metcalf who led the 2000 Panthers with three interceptions will anchor the defense along with senior middle linebacker Neal Jack who had 48 tackles last season.

The defensive ends will be Barry Swartzfager and Erik Dehner. Junior nose tackle Levi Mohney and tackles Andy Monrean and Alex Hartzell round out the defensive line. Senior Corey Peterson and sophomore Shawn McGranaghan will also see action there.

The outside linebacker duties will be handled by freshman Sam Swartzfager and sophomore Evan Peterson.

Bill Colwell and Jared Griebel will start at the corners with Kyle Wilson and Buck Neely seeing time also. Black and Bobby Telesz will share time at free safety.