H.S. Confidential: Time to regroup for Plant

Panthers picking up the pieces after being routed on national TV

Getting healthy and sharpening the passing game are the focus for Plant this week

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 8:36 PM

In Panther country this week, there are reasons to be concerned and there are reasons not to be concerned.

Bottom line, being on the wrong side of a 48-10 rout was not the way the defending 5A state champions wanted to begin the season. Even though the game does not count in the standings, the Panthers are reeling a bit as they head into the regular season opener Friday night against Tampa Bay Tech.

Not 100% this week are running back James Wilder Jr., and Quarterback Phillip Ely (leg). Both are being limited to about 50% in practice.

"That hurts us this week because we really need the practice," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "Tampa Bay Tech is going to bring it Friday night and we have to be ready."

Aside from the injuries and aftermath, Plant's dominance from a national perspective took a serious hit. The Panthers fell from No. 2 to No. 40 in the new ESPN poll. In the Rivals poll, Plant dropped from No. 1 to No. 77.

Aside from the polls and the injuries, here's the facts. First, Plant is not nearly as strong as they were at the end of last year. That does not mean they won't be in December but the offense is clearly in transition after losing burners Allen Sampson and T.J. Glover. The receivers are young and opposing defenses will key on James Wilder more and more during that phase.

But the biggest visible difference from Friday was the defense or lack of. Mike Mirabella and Joshua Varon were dominant linebackers. The Panthers are still looking for a leader to step up for that unit.

As for the reasons not to panic?

Remember, Plant lost their first two games of 2009 to Manatee and Tampa Bay Tech and just got better as the year went along. Also, the Panthers are very much a timing and precision team. That timing has been constantly challenged the last two weeks by bad weather, limiting practice and field time. As the season goes along, look for the black and gold to rise to the challenge.

Click on the link to hear from Phillip Ely and Robert Weiner as the Panthers reflect on a night to forget.

Drew Fellios reports on the latest happenings from Bay Area high schools every Tuesday and Thursday in his High School Confidential. He is also the play-by-play announcer on the high school football Game of the Week, live each Friday night on Bright House Sports Network.

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