2017 Palo Verde Football Capsule

PALO VERDE

League: Class 4A Northwest

Head coach: Joe Aznarez, third season (7-13)

2016 record: 3-7 (3-3 Northwest League, fourth)

Returning lettermen: 23

Returning starters: Six offense, six defense

Base offensive set: Double wing, Pistol

Base defensive set: 4-3

Top offensive players: TE Daniel Bellinger (Sr.); QB Nick Zuppas (Sr.); RB Chamere Thomas (Sr.); OL Brad Jacobson (Sr.)

Top defensive players: LB Daniel Bellinger (Sr.); CB Karsone Winters (Jr.); DE John Carpenter (Sr.); DL Jonah Singer (Jr.)

Top newcomers: CB/WR Karsone Winters (Jr.); RB Brenton Lee (Sr.); FB Ryan McCormick (Sr.)

Key losses: RB John Schofield

Outlook: After a dismal 0-6 start, the Panthers somehow fought back and managed to keep a streak of 17 consecutive playoff appearances alive.

Now Aznarez hopes to continue the success the team saw at the end of the regular season.

“We finished last season strong and expect to build off that with our senior class,” Aznarez said.

Bellinger has committed to play at San Diego State, and should play a key role on both sides of the ball. He’ll be especially important on defense, after recording 61 tackles last season.

Offensively, the Panthers must replace Schofield, who turned out to be the team’s top offensive option after moving from quarterback to running back.

He rushed for 1,052 yards and seven TDs last season. Thomas (541 yards) should get the first crack at being the go-to back.