Few could have predicted just how special the 2022 Montezuma-Cortez football season would be.
Now, after making one of the loudest statements in program history, the Panthers have the attention of every team across the 2A landscape.
With the days ticking down to opening night, fourth-year head coach Ivan Mack brings back a significant core group of players from last year’s 8-4 state semifinal campaign, mixing in plenty of young talent who were waiting their turn to take center stage.
“The kids are excited to be back at it,” said Mack of his team’s preparation for the new season, “but we know that one of the big challenges is making sure that we don’t get lackadaisical – because we know that having another successful season isn’t going to come easy.”
In a true rarity at the high school level, the Panthers bring back almost their entire starting offensive and defensive lines – as several Panthers lineman enter their third year in the regular rotation up front.
Seniors Marcus Harris, Kaden Nielson, Hunter Goodall and Ian Todacheeny anchor a stout front five that gelled well as a unit, both in pass protection as well as run blocking.
“The seniors helped show their leadership through the summer workouts,” said Mack, “and they’re ready to help bring that intensity to the field.”
With that continuity, M-CHS hopes to continue to set up their skill position players with ample holes for big plays. At the top of every opponent’s scouting report, junior Tay Wheat looks to continue his torrid career in orange and black, returning after a 1,000-yard rushing season.
“We know that we’re going to rely on Tay again this year, but we’re also excited with some of our other guys stepping up into new roles and seeing more touches either on the ground or as receivers,” said Mack.
At signal caller, the Panthers turn to junior Colby McMillian to guide the offense – and Mack looks forward to the dynamic that McMillian brings to the offense.
“Colby’s shown a lot of leadership, and he’s athletic and quick,” said Mack, “and we believe that he’ll be able to make the adjustment to the varsity level.”
Several linebackers and defensive backs, led by junior Dalton Muzzy, return from a vaunted defensive unit that held opposition to less than 18 points per game and forced nearly 40 takeaways.
“We’re adapting with the new group of players, setting up the way that we’re wanting to utilize these players’ skills to put them in the best places to be successful,” added Mack.
A full coaching staff, headlined by Jarrett Watkins as defensive coordinator and Tyler Worley as special teams coordinator, look to have the Panthers prepped for week one.
With an identical list of opponents to their 2022 season, the Panthers will once again play two of their first three games against New Mexico schools, kicking off the campaign with a trip to Aztec on Friday, Aug. 25 for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Panthers then face an anticipated rematch of last year’s thrilling quarterfinal victory over Rifle, when M-CHS forced six turnovers in a 14-0 blanking of the Bears. M-CHS’ home opener on Friday, Sept. 1 against Rifle kicks off a span of three straight home games, with Kirtland Central (Sept. 8, 7 p.m.) and North Fork (Sept. 16, noon) visiting Panther Stadium.
After traveling to Ignacio on Friday, Sept. 22, the Panthers open league play with a trip to Salida on Friday, Sept. 29, to be followed by a home contest against Bayfield on Oct. 6. Pagosa Springs on the road and defending league champion Delta round out the regular season schedule for the Panthers. Coverage of Panther football can be found on local radio station KRTZ 98.7 FM, including the season opening trip to Aztec, as the Panthers aim for a second straight postseason appearance.
