West Panthers
On Aug. 18, the Deseret News published its preview of the West High School football team. Here is what was
written by reporter John Coon.
Not since a decade ago has West entertained the sort of lofty ambitions it is carrying into this season.
The Panthers know this will be their last go-round in Region 6 and 4A for the foreseeable future. As a result,
West is determined to transition to 5A in style by doing something the school took for granted in its glory days.
More than anything else, the Panthers want to claim a region title.
"We want to end on a good note," senior center Ben Ogden said. "Give the kids next year something to build
on."
West seemed to be on the cusp, at times, of constructing a true breakout season a year ago. The Panthers
endured several close losses along the way - losing three games by seven points or less.
With several returning starters on both offense and defense, West is counting on experience to help it turn the
corner in some of those close games.
"We have a lot of kids that played big roles for us last year that are coming back," Panthers quarterback Daniel
Wray said. "We expect to make the playoffs again and continue on with our success that we've had the last
few years."
Wray is one of those returning starters expected to do great things. He took over quarterback duties following
a 19-12 loss to Tooele and immediately proved he was more than ready for the promotion.
By season's end, Wray helped guide the team to its second straight trip to the playoffs. West coach Randy
Schreiter thinks Wray is poised to deliver even better results for the Panthers in his first full year as starting
quarterback.
"He's probably the best unknown quarterback in the state," Schreiter said. "I think he'll really shine this year.
We're kind of changing the offense for him — spreading things out a little more."
Schreiter has strong enough confidence in Wray's abilities and his grasp of the Panther offense that he plans
to allow him to make calls at the line of scrimmage as needed.
He thinks Wray will offer a steady hand in guiding the offense on the field.
West will have plenty of other offensive weapons to compliment Wray. Tana Afeaki and Josh Fitisemanu will
replace Garrett Nicholson in the backfield, with Afeaki likely seeing the bulk of the carries.
Up front, the Panthers have Ogden and Simi Hovaka who bring a great deal of strength and experience to the
line.
While West has made it clear that it intends to be a factor in Region 6 this fall, this isn't exactly a make or
break year for the Panthers. Even though the school moves to 5A next year, most of their current region rivals
move up with them.
Essentially they trade in longtime rival East, Olympus and Highland for Skyline and Hunter. It's a transition
Schreiter thinks will be seamless for his team when the time comes.
"I look at it as a wash," Schreiter said. "Our region right now is as good as (any). We didn't show that last year
in the state playoffs. But in years past we have."
On Aug. 18, the Deseret News published its preview of the West High School football team. Here is what was
written by reporter John Coon.
Not since a decade ago has West entertained the sort of lofty ambitions it is carrying into this season.
The Panthers know this will be their last go-round in Region 6 and 4A for the foreseeable future. As a result,
West is determined to transition to 5A in style by doing something the school took for granted in its glory days.
More than anything else, the Panthers want to claim a region title.
"We want to end on a good note," senior center Ben Ogden said. "Give the kids next year something to build
on."
West seemed to be on the cusp, at times, of constructing a true breakout season a year ago. The Panthers
endured several close losses along the way - losing three games by seven points or less.
With several returning starters on both offense and defense, West is counting on experience to help it turn the
corner in some of those close games.
"We have a lot of kids that played big roles for us last year that are coming back," Panthers quarterback Daniel
Wray said. "We expect to make the playoffs again and continue on with our success that we've had the last
few years."
Wray is one of those returning starters expected to do great things. He took over quarterback duties following
a 19-12 loss to Tooele and immediately proved he was more than ready for the promotion.
By season's end, Wray helped guide the team to its second straight trip to the playoffs. West coach Randy
Schreiter thinks Wray is poised to deliver even better results for the Panthers in his first full year as starting
quarterback.
"He's probably the best unknown quarterback in the state," Schreiter said. "I think he'll really shine this year.
We're kind of changing the offense for him — spreading things out a little more."
Schreiter has strong enough confidence in Wray's abilities and his grasp of the Panther offense that he plans
to allow him to make calls at the line of scrimmage as needed.
He thinks Wray will offer a steady hand in guiding the offense on the field.
West will have plenty of other offensive weapons to compliment Wray. Tana Afeaki and Josh Fitisemanu will
replace Garrett Nicholson in the backfield, with Afeaki likely seeing the bulk of the carries.
Up front, the Panthers have Ogden and Simi Hovaka who bring a great deal of strength and experience to the
line.
While West has made it clear that it intends to be a factor in Region 6 this fall, this isn't exactly a make or
break year for the Panthers. Even though the school moves to 5A next year, most of their current region rivals
move up with them.
Essentially they trade in longtime rival East, Olympus and Highland for Skyline and Hunter. It's a transition
Schreiter thinks will be seamless for his team when the time comes.
"I look at it as a wash," Schreiter said. "Our region right now is as good as (any). We didn't show that last year
in the state playoffs. But in years past we have."
MatchupUT.com Phone: (801) 520-4330 Email: Bruce@matchupUT.com
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