With only four starters lost to graduation from last year’s team, Panther Valley’s Brennan Kunkel has high expectations for his team this fall.

The Panthers finished 2-8 last season, dropping their final six games.

However, winning isn’t a staple in Lansford. Panther Valley hasn’t had a winning season since 2009 when they were 9-3.

Despite the downslide, Kunkel is optimistic this season will be a winning one.

“I think we can be a very competitive team this year,” said the senior running back. “We have put in work all winter and summer, getting stronger and faster. I think if we execute, we will do really good things.

“We have a lot of returning starters back, such as all our skill positions and the whole line is back.”

During late spring, head coach Mark Lavine sent the message and Kunkel and the rest took it to heart.

“I think we can have a decent amount of wins this year,” said Lavine, who will begin his third year at the helm. “We have a lot of kids back, probably more this year than when I got here three years ago.

“Most of these kids have come through our program, and we know them now. They have put the time in the weight room, and they look sharp on the field. You can see how they have developed.”

Kunkel will lead the rushing attack that averaged nearly four yards per carry last season. He ran for a team-high 551 yards (4.88 per carry) and scored 12 touchdowns. Against Shenandoah Valley, Kunkel ran for a school-record 328 yards, shattering the previous mark of 294 held by Dale Evans in 1974.

Kunkel is high on the coach’s list.

“He had a great offseason,” said Lavine about Kunkel. “He worked really hard in the weight room, and has improved his speed. We know he is capable of making some big plays for us this year.”

Senior Brady Jones, who caught 18 balls for 342 yards with three touchdowns, is back in the fold along with fellow senior Logan Fisher, who had eight catches for 155 yards. Kunkel had 12 receptions for 93 yards.

Junior Brody Breiner returns at quarterback. In his first year as a starter, Breiner completed 48 of 130 attempts for 686 yards with four touchdowns.

Yet, Lavine is confident his signal caller will elevate his game with a year of experience behind him.

“Brody came a long way in his first year starting for us last year, and we expect big things from him,” added Lavine. “We didn’t protect him as well as we should have last year. He is a natural leader and one of our hardest workers.

“He is ready to take charge.”

Up front, the Panthers should be a solid unit with senior center Zach Seifert, who returns after missing all last year with an injury, along with seniors Clinton Dyer and Michael Williams at guard. Junior Marco Tessitore, a two-year starter, and sophomore Spencer Black will be at the tackles.

Most of them will be playing on both sides of the line.

“We’re very happy with what we have up front,” said Lavine. “With this line, we believe we can run the ball and control the clock. These guys are experienced and we want to build on that.”

Senior Logan Fisher and junior Marcus Rodriguez are back at the linebacker spots along with junior Peter Kurslicky.

The Panthers’ secondary will be the early strength of the unit with Kunkel and Breiner at safeties and Frank Schubeck and Brady Jones at the corners. Each of them brings at least two years of experience.

Defense will be the key for the Panthers, as they allowed nearly 39 points per contest last season. They also were flagged 52 times last year, four more than their opponents. In addition, the Panthers were outscored 289-84 in the first half of games last season.

“How we play defensively will determine how far we can go,” said Lavine. “We just missed too many tackles last year. These guys know that they have to tighten things up. Their time in the weight room, and their overall experience will help.”

With a solid offensive core, the Panthers need to find ways to generate more than their 12.6 points they averaged last season.

“We feel like we can be more balanced this year, and throw the ball more,” said Lavine. “Our offensive line is strong, and we want to be able to run the ball and control the game.

“But we will rely on our passing game as well.”

With more numbers in camp and a positive vibe, Lavine believes his club can have an effective campaign. The Panthers will open the season at Salisbury, a team they beat 20-12 in the opener last year.

“We have some depth at a few positions, and that will be a big help,” Lavine said. “We like what we have seen, and we’ll be ready to go.”

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Panther Valley Position Breakdown

QUARTERBACKS

Barring injury, Brody Breiner will be at the controls all season, and his stock is expected to rise. Freshman Chase McArdle is the backup. Running back Brennan Kunkel can also make the switch over to quarterback.

RUNNING BACKS

Brennan Kunkle, who ran for 551 yards and scored 10 total touchdowns a year ago, will get the majority of the snaps here. Junior fullback Marcus Rodriguez (27-115) is expected to see more time. The Panthers would like to “ground and pound.”

WIDE RECEIVERS

Senior Brady Jones, who led last year’s team with 18 catches and 342 receiving yards, is the prime target back along with fellow senior Frank Shubeck. Senior Logan Fisher will be a tight end. Juniors Gavin Yuricheck, Ben Baneravage, and senior Jeremy Phelps will also be in the mix.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This will be a strength will seniors Zack Seifert, Michael Williams, Clinton Dyer and junior Marco Tessitore back. Sophomore Spencer Black will be a first-year starter. Others who should see time are sophomores Jerry Harrison, Carlos Maldanado, and freshman Brody Vermillion. The Panthers will be in a 4-3 alignment.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Marco Tessitore, Clinton Dyer, Spencer Black, and Zack Seifert will rotate on the line. Junior Gino Williams, senior Jeremy Phelps, and sophomore Jerry Harrison should also see time.

LINEBACKERS

The Panthers should have another strength here. Marcus Rodriguez and Logan Fisher return and junior Peter Kurslicky will man the other spot. Brody Vermillion and Gavin Yuricheck will see action as well.

SECONDARY

The unit is the most seasoned on both sides of the ball. Brennan Kunkel and Brody Breiner will be at safeties and Brady Jones and Frank Schubeck will be at the corners. Ben Baneravage and Chase McArdle provide depth. The group will anchor the defense.