Parkview’s Top Returners For The 2022 Season

Last season was a down year for the Panthers, as they finished the year with a 4-7 record. While this was no where close to what the Parkview Panthers fans could have wanted or expected, we expect them to be able to bounce back in 2022. To start, it is hard to have a great season after losing so many key players, and stars to graduation. Regardless, there is still plenty of talent on the Panther’s roster, it just has not yet been cultivated to it’s full potential. In 2022, you can be on the lookout for some of their top returners, who we have listed below, who will likely play a key part in their future success, and turning things around for their fans, and school. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34066" first="Colin" last="Houck"]- </strong><em>QB</em> Last season, Houck passes for over 2,100 yards, and 19 TD’s. The problem with this, is that he also threw for 13 interceptions. Perhaps this is due to growing pains as the team’s starter, but he will undoubtedly have to improve with turnovers next season. Regardless, he is one of the team’s top returners as he is already familiar with the offense, as well as being able to lead his team into battle against some of the top programs in the state. Next season, his success will largely be predicated on his ability to get the ball out in a timely manner, with accuracy, and to the correct read. Some of his returning playmakers will certainly help him a great deal, and will put him in more of a place to succeed. Look for Houck to be able to take a step forward for his team next year. <strong>Zion Taylor- </strong><em>WR</em> Last season, Taylor was tied for the most receiving TD’s, and was second in receiving yards in the entire team. Specifically, he had 7 TD’s, and 700 yards throughout the duration of the season. Paired with his ability to run clean routes, and make plays after the catch, we believe that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with next year. Not only will he be playing opposite of [player_tooltip player_id="165717" first="Mike" last="Matthews"], who is another stud receiver for the team, but he will be able to capitalize off of any improved play that Houck will have going into next year. Expect Taylor to continue to be one of the top players on the Panthers roster, as his playmaking ability will be huge in helping to get the Panthers program back to where it wants to be. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165717" first="Mike" last="Matthews"]- </strong><em>WR</em> Just as Zion Taylor will be successful next season, [player_tooltip player_id="165717" first="Mike" last="Matthews"] will also be one of the top returning players for the Panthers. Not only did he lead the team in receiving yards last year, but he also had 7 receiving TD’s. Last season, Matthews had 764 receiving yards. His speed, and ability to get in and out of his breaks to make plays with his hands, regardless of the contested situation, is what sets him apart. Perhaps, this ability to play in such a way comes from the fact that he also plays basketball, and is able to display the same kind of athleticism. Next season, look for Matthews to continue his upwards trajectory, which is more than impressive due to the fact that he will be a Junior. We are hopeful that this will reward him opportunities for scholarships. <strong>Will Hawkins- </strong><em>DB</em> Hawkins saw a decent bit of snaps for the Panthers defense last year, and will likely be a key defensive player for the team in 2022. Last season, he had 17 tackles in the 5 total games that he played, and while he did not have any interceptions, he had 2 passes defended. This upcoming year, he will most likely see more time, and more responsibility on defense. His speed, length, and frame is going to help his team, especially as he appears to be good at positioning himself to make plays on the ball, while also assuring that the receiver does not have an easy game. While 2022 is going to be his senior year, we also feel it will be one of his best seasons for his team.