PREVIEW: Panthers to count on depth for improved record

     Injuries are usually bad for an athletic team, but in the case of the Monticello High School football team, last year’s injuries may wind up helping the Panthers this season.

     “We have quality depth at a lot of positions this year,” second-year head coach Wes Wilson said. “Some guys were able to get good experience last year with our injuries, which has really helped our depth.”

     A year ago, the Panthers went 3-6, including 1-6 in the highly competitive Class 2A, District 4 standings. It was a district that included the eventual state runner-up, Union of LaPorte City; and North Fayette Valley, which reached the state quarterfinals before losing to Union.

     With 14 returning letter-winners, the Panthers are aiming for an improved record this season. Several key players are back, led by senior running back Max Keleher, who rushed for 1,377 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago, setting school records for his 403-yard, seven-touchdown effort against Oelwein.

     All-state receiver/defensive end Clayton Kraus led the team in tackles with 60, and in receiving yards with 212. Senior quarterback Jacob Manternach, who missed the final three games of the season with a broken thumb, still passed for 661 yards and six touchdowns in the six games he played. Lake Stahlberg was the second leading rusher with 412 yards, and second leading tackler with 49.

     Keleher and Kraus were first team all-district last year, while Jacob Lorenzen and Stahlberg made the second team.

     Also back are seniors Tyler Kuper, Thomas Broderick, Andrew Mescher, Tyler Ungs, Wesley Henderson, Gavin Holub and Kirklen Kiburz; and juniors Gavin Cooper and Wade Picray.

     Wilson knows the competition will be tough in the district once again; Union showed up in the top 10 of pre-season rankings, while North Fayette Valley received votes as well. So the coach is looking at the season game-by-game.

     “Our goal is to go 1-0 each week,” Wilson said. “We want to put ourselves in a position to compete in each game and give ourselves a chance to win.”

     To do that, he said, “We need to stay healthy and be disciplined on both sides of the ball.”

     He is assisted by defensive coordinator Jon Kyte, varsity assistant Dustin Chapman and volunteer assistant Nathan Freeze; and junior varsity coaches Greg Williams (defense) and Donnie Kremer (offense).