The Perryville football team still has some gamebreaking skill-position players including one of the state's top two-way players in receiver/free safety Tyrell Hollingsworth. But coach Chris Johnson says the Panthers' success will be determined by a talented but inexperienced offensive line and what he hopes will be a rejuvenated defense. Perryville graduated four of its five offensive line starters from last year's team that went 7-5. "I think the most important unit on a football team is the offensive line," said Johnson. "You will only go as far as your offensive line will take you." Senior Jeff Pollard, the lone returning starter, will spearhead the group. "Jeff is a hard worker in the weight room and has been an outstanding leader," Johnson said.
Juniors Joe Rinehart (6-3, 280) and Teryl Cain (5-11, 260) will be factors. "The linemen have been working hard and we're going to have some depth," said Johnson. "If someone has to come out for a play there won't be any dropoff. Jeff, Joe, and Teryl and some other guys up from the JV are going to help us be a good football team." If the offensive line performs as Johnson expects, the Panthers have several players who will take advantage. Senior Elijah Johnson has already demonstrated he is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback. Johnson threw 19 touchdown passes as a sophomore. Last season, he primarily played running back but replaced injured starter Cam Cunningham and led Perryville to a 45-42 win over Bel Air. Chris Johnson says the Panthers have altered their offense to take advantage of Elijah Johnson's ability to both throw and run. Tailback Tony Smith and fullback Toby DiMauro will pace the Panthers' rushing attack. It will be difficult to replace three-year star Eathen Griffin, who graduated, but Perryville does have depth with Ray Woods, Mitchell Johansen, and Bryce Reese each capable of contributing at running back or wing back. Johnson's top target will be the 6-4 Hollingsworth, who has attracted the attention of numerous Division I colleges. On defense, Perryville is going back to basics. "Defensively, we have a lot of athletes," Chris Johnson said. "If everyone does their job our defense should be good." Perryville brought in former Aberdeen coach Kevin Reilly to assist defensive coordinator Chris Diemicke. "Last year our defense took a step back," said Johnson. "We need our defense to play better." The fearless strong safety Smith was one of the UCBAC's top tacklers last season. Perryville is also counting on senior linebacker Cody Hicks. DiMauro, junior Mike Bennett, and sophomores De'Jon Wright and Cullen McCoy are expected to contribute at defensive end. Elijah Johnson and junior Pernell White, up from JV, will play cornerback. Hollingsworth, who has 13 interceptions over the last two years, starts at free safety. "He's good centerfielder," said Chris Johnson. "He is able to cover a lot of distance and reads the quarterback's eyes." The Panthers were inconsistent last year, losing at home to Havre de Grace, but beating North Harford. Perryville's bid for a third straight region championship ended with a thud in a 42-0 loss to Cambridge-South Dorchester. "When the players look back at last year that definitely leaves a bad taste in their mouth," Chris Johnson said. "In the back of their minds they feel there could've been a different outcome. They understand every game comes down to preparation. This team knows how to prepare and that's a big difference from last year's team." Comments are closed.
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