Gridiron Lowdown

Photo credit: James Ragan Photography

The Florida Tech Panthers have gone through spring practices, training camp and all the grueling work that goes with it. This Saturday, all that hard work will pay off, as the Panthers open their season at home, against Virginia University of Lynchburg. 

“We've had a good camp, a tough camp,” said Florida Tech head coach Steve Englehart. “We've asked a lot of them and you can talk about wins and talk about championships all you want, but what it really comes down to is focusing on the process of getting there. You gotta love the practice if you're on this football team and you gotta love coming out here and try to get better every day and that's what our guys have done.” 

Englehart admits that he's not sure if his team is where he wants them, but they are getting there. “We don't know a lot about Lynchburg, but we gotta get out there and play a game and we'll evaluate from there.” 

Other than the fact that Lynchburg is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and they are 0-1 heading into Saturday's contest, just about everything else about the dragons is a mystery and will take some time for the Panthers to get a grasp on exactly what they plan to do. 

Something else the Panthers have been working to get a grasp on is the defensive scheme that new coordinator Rick Minter brings with him to Florida Tech. Minter has 30-plus years experience, including working with Lou Holtz at Notre Dame and with Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles. 

“It's been challenging for our players,” said Englehart. “Not only the changes of scheme and the complexity but the amount of calls we have. It's challenging for our guys, but in the long run, it's gonna make us a better defensive unit."  

Coach Englehart said that Minter expects his guys to play at a high level, every time out and that he's been awesome for that group and said that it's also been an adjustment for the offense as well. 

“Going through camp, there's just so many things the defense will throw at us,” he said. “In a way, it's made our offense tougher and more prepared.” 

On the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers return some key guys, including quarterback Mark Cato, who will sit this weeks game out, as he serves the final game of his suspension from last season. That means Brandon Ziarno will be under center for the opener. He played in some meaningful games last season, including the Panthers first ever playoff game, a loss to North Greenville. 

“We're definitely starting Ziarno, but I anticipate playing Trent (Chmelik) a series or two early on, just to get him out there. I'm just gonna make it a game time decision, as we're going.” 

Those quarterbacks will welcome two big additions back to the passing game, with seniors Romell Guerrier and Terrance Bynum both returning, after being hurt in week one last season. 

“Having those guys back gives us some stability out there, they both have good experience and they both can make plays,” Englehart said. “They gotta take on leadership roles and get the entire unit of wide receivers playing at a very high level. It's very refreshing to have them back.” 

Last season, the Panthers running game was a big reason for their 8-3 regular season record, and this season should be no different. Despite losing Trevor Sand to graduation, the Panthers still have the Gulf South Conference's top rusher in 2016, junior Antwuan Haynes. He rushed for a GSC-leading 1,076 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had 24 receptions for 398 yards and totaled 27 returns (15 punts, 12 kickoffs) for 308 return yards. When all was said and done, he led GSC in all-purpose yards with 1,783 yards. 

Add to that, Palm Bay product Sekai Lindsay, who returns home after playing for the University of Massachusettes. He had 114 rushing yards for them in 2015.  

“Our run game is one of the strong points of our offense,” said Englehart. “I think our O-line is probably better run blockers as well, so you add a good run-blocking offensive line with running backs and that we have and we can be pretty dynamic. We need to keep people on their toes and we got four or five guys that we can put in there and feel good about.” 

The Panthers 2017 schedule is very unforgiving from week one. After Lynchburg, they will travel to Lake Charles Louisiana to take on FBS member, McNeese State of the Southland

Conference. Week three will see the Panthers open their Gulf South Conference schedule at home, against Shorter. It is the first of eight conference games for the Panthers. 

“The main thing is just taking it one week at a time,” Englehart said of the schedule. “Complacency will bring you back down to average really quickly. We gotta make sure that we're staying task on hand and enjoying the wins when we win them and learning from any losses that we may have.” 

Saturday's season opener is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. Details on tailgating, parking, and tickets can be found here.