Gridiron Lowdown – November 17, 2016

For the first time in the four-year history of the program, the Florida Tech Panthers football team is preparing for a playoff game, this Saturday, against North Greenville.  The game is scheduled for a noon kickoff at Florida Tech Panther Stadium.

It has been a steady climb for this team, who won five games in their inaugural year of 2013 and have added a win every season, culminating in an 8-2 campaign this season.

“Our team is excited to play in the playoffs and I think everyone understands the importance of a playoff game,” said head coach Steve Englehart. “We’re excited to go out there and execute as a football team and hopefully get a win.”

This was not a typical week for Englehart and his team. Not only are they dealing with the pressure of the first ever playoff game in the history of the program, but the school is also dealing with the fact that starting quarterback Mark Cato has been suspended indefinitely, after he was charged with DUI, following the teams’ win over Delta State on Saturday.

With Cato out, the Panthers will turn to freshman Brandon Ziarno. Junior Ryan Singer moves up the depth chart to back up Ziarno.

“Brandon’s been practicing well, Ryan’s been practicing well… but they practice well every week,” said Englehart. “They always get a lot of snaps in practice and everybody’s used to them and they took a lot of snaps early in the year against Shorter, Mississippi College and Fort Valley.”

Despite the adversity this week, Englehart said he’s been focused on football “since the day they beat Delta State, regardless of what people might think.” He pointed out that coaches lose players all the time to injury.

“Our entire teams focus has always been on coming out and executing, playing a good football game,” he said. “The energy is high and the team is excited. If there has been a distraction, you wouldn’t know it by our players. They are focused on winning a football game.”

In the midst of Cato’s suspension, the team did get some good news this week, as running back Antwuan Haynes was named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Week, on Monday.

“Whenever you give the ball to number six, some pretty special things happen,” said Englehart. “I think he’s one of the most dynamic players in the conference and I think he can have another big game Saturday.”

On Wednesday, it was announced that 10 Panthers had been named to the All-Conference team. Haynes led the way, along with tight end Kenny Johnston, offensive lineman Cory Sanicky, were named to the first team offense.

Running back Trevor Sand, wide receiver Wayne Saunders II, and offensive linemen Joe Laguna and Kevin Delgado were all named to the second team offense.

The first team defense is well-represented by the Panthers, with defensive lineman Adonis Davis, linebacker Chris Stapleton and defensive back Manny Abad all named to the team.

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