It’s to early to say for sure, but the 5A Redmond Panthers look to be back on track. The IMC school has blasted their last two opponents by a combined score of 118-35, but even they would say you need to take the competition into account.
The Panthers feature one of the state’s more exciting junior’s in Derek Brown (5-10 170 16′ RB/DB), who rushed for 519 yards and 8 TD’s in his first two games. He was a three sport varsity starter as a sophomore (basketball, baseball) , earning 1st team all league honors on the football field in 2013.
Brown will be a conference player of the year candidate this season and a primary reason that they could be back in the IMC title hunt. Mountain View will be the favorite but the Panthers have some young talent.
Sophomore QB Bunker Parrish is a player and a kid they can build around, while Senior TE Cody Winters (6-5 250 15′) is a necessary force with his size. Parrish added 2 TD’s on the ground, and also hit Winters for a touchdown last week.
Summit will be tough and is a team on the rise, but Redmond looks to be on the right path under head coach Nathan Stanley. 2012 & 2013 were polar opposite seasons, going 11-1 followed by 1-8 last year, although the opening of Ridgeview High School directly effected that.
Derek impresses with his overall athleticism, and will be key if the Panthers want to make a playoff run. He should be considered one of the top athletes in the state for his class and a kid that we will hear much more from in the coming season.
A great young team with a bright future. Props to each and every one of them!!
A great young team with a bright future. Props to each and every one of them!!
Panthers are fun to watch. Lots of talent. Looking forward to the Hood River game.
Panthers are fun to watch. Lots of talent. Looking forward to the Hood River game.