2018-19 Palo Verde Flag Football Capsule

PALO VERDE

Head coach: Rick Eurich, fifth season

2017-18 record: 16-3 (8-2 Northwest/first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (six)

Top players: RB/LB Cameron Gerek (Sr.), RB/LB Mya Boykin (Sr.), C/LB Madison Hearn (Sr.), RB/S Maiya Baker (Sr.), WR/LB Kayla Scheer (Sr.)

Outlook: The Panthers advanced to the Sunset Region championship game for the third straight season last year, but return only two offensive starters.

“We are replacing several players on the offensive side of the ball this year,” Eurich said. “However, we have many young and eager girls who can’t wait for the opportunity to prove themselves.”

The Panthers also have to make up for the loss of first-team all-state honoree Betsy Bellinger, who had 1,329 receiving yards and 17 interceptions as a senior last year.

“We have a solid group of returners on defense that we hope will take some of the pressure off the offense.” Eurich said. “Our goal is to get better each game with the hope of being able to break the streak of defeat in the region championship.”