Panther football begins season with new coach
The Cypress Lake High School football team began the 2009 season on a down note by losing to host Fort Myers High, 41-20, Friday night. The Panthers are looking to rebound from a 4-6 record last year, but must do so with only three returning offensive starters and one returning defensive stater.
The Purple and White, under new coach Michael Thornton, is talented at some of the skill positions with senior running back Savon Seward and senior defensive back Emanuel Casimir, Sr., but loss quarterback Christian Parsons to graduation. Beach resident Patrick McCarthy is one of Thornton’s coaches, while Beach teenager Chad Redenius is slated to be one of the best receivers at tight end for the Panthers as well as playing in the defensive backfield and returning kicks.
“We’re trying to put in a new offense and new defense, and build relationships with guys who have played for three coaches in their four-year career,” said Thornton. “We’re taking strides.”
Thornton said the season’s success will not be determined by wins and losses.
“I told them if they can focus on playing well and not defeat themselves, then I think there are a handful of games on the schedule that we can be competitive in,” he said. “All in all, there is a good nucleus of kids.”
The 2009 season could be a building block for the future.
“We’re just gonna to try to put together a product three years from now that’s doing everything we ask correctly in the building, in the weight room and in the off-season,” said Thornton.
Cypress Lake finished fifth in the league with a 2-3 mark and averaged 30.3 points per game while yielding an average of 33.9 ppg. The school plays in 3A District 12.
Last Friday at their Pre-season Classic game, the Panthers fell to Mariner, 33-7, after being down 21-7 at half. Turnovers were an issue.
“We talked about no turnovers this week,” said Thornton. “We fumbled the ball 11 times Friday night. When you run an option-style offense where it’s ball control and trying to keep their offense off the field, if you turn it over then you’re playing into their hands.”
The Panthers expect tough competition from powerhouses Naples, Barron Collier and South Fort Myers, which it hosts in its home opener Sept. 17.
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Cypress Lake Panthers High School Football Schedule 09-10
Sept. 4 7:30 PM @ Fort Myers (Fort Myers, FL)
Sept. 11 7:30 PM @ Island Coast (Cape Coral, FL)
Sept. 17 7:30 PM vs. South Fort Myers (Fort Myers, FL)
Sept. 24 BYE
Oct. 2 7:30 PM @ Naples (Naples, FL) *
Oct. 9 7:30 PM vs. Barron Collier (Naples, FL) *
Oct. 16 7:30 PM @ Golden Gate (Naples, FL) *
Oct. 23 7:30 PM vs. Lely (Naples, FL) *
Oct 30 7:30 PM vs. East Lee County (Lehigh Acres, FL) *
Nov. 6 7:30 PM @ Lehigh (Lehigh Acres, FL) *
Nov. 13 7:30 PM @ Estero (Estero, FL)
* Conference Game