A cold autumn bite sets in as the Panthers offense readies for the final repetition of their evening practice. A blanket of snow sits atop the La Plata Mountains off in the distance, the drought-riddled practices of July and August now a distant memory.
The Panthers football team entered the season trying to break a drought of its own – trying to make its first reappearance in the 2A State Tournament since a 2014 run to the quarterfinals.
Senior quarterback Ike Dennison’s cadence rings across the practice field at Montezuma-Cortez High School, setting the offense into motion, capped off with a crisp pass-and-catch.
The old Panthers teams were run-first, but with fourth-year head coach Scott Conklin opting for a gunslinging offense, the M-CHS offense has found its traction. With a core of experienced players, the Panthers’ high-flying offense has given defensive coordinators fits all season.
Dennison sits as the focal point of the Panthers offense, the author of over 1,000 yards passing and 12 touchdowns. Even with the success this season, the journey has been one of patience for Dennison.
“After missing most of the first two years due to injury, it’s been nice to finally show what I can do,” said Dennison, “I’m trying to enjoy some the experiences now that I couldn’t my first two years.”
Meanwhile, the options have been plentiful for Dennison, with a pair of classmates on the receiving end looking to take a piece of history with them. Cordell Baer and Vinny Conklin have shared the bulk of the receptions this season – each aiming for a piece of the Panthers record books.
Fifty-two. That’s the record number of receptions in a season by a Panther, dating back to 1997. Its owner? M-CHS Principal Jason Wayman – which makes the record push all the more relevant for the pair of senior receivers. Entering the regular season finale against Albuquerque Academy, Conklin holds a slight edge over Baer, with 42 receptions, five more than his teammate.
Yet for Baer, reaching a record is more about the culmination of the seniors’ career rather than an individual feat. “It would pretty cool to share it with Vinny,” said Baer, “We’ve been together and dedicated to this sport since we were Titans together.”
Meanwhile, the Panthers still find themselves in the thick of reaching an even larger goal – making the postseason. Don’t let the 3-5 record fool you – the Panthers have been in virtually every game this season, all while playing in arguably the toughest league in the 2A classification. Entering their final game of the regular season, the Panthers sit 16th in the RPI rankings, which, if the playoffs started prior to Friday night’s action, would suffice for qualification.
That, according to Conklin, has been in the Panthers’ sights since long before they first started summer practices. “This has definitely been the best year of high school,” Conklin said. “We’ve been friends for so long, went undefeated in fifth grade and have just really been building since then.”
For some of the eye-catching numbers accumulated by the Panthers offense this year, much of the success has been attributable to an experienced offensive line. Seniors Swayde Noyes and Kerwin Tom have been the anchors of a disciplined unit, which, according to Noyes, in on a whole different level from his previous seasons with the Panthers.
“We’ve really made a focus of holding our blocks and getting to their linebackers,” said Noyes, “and it’s been so much better this year.”
Perhaps no one is more complimentary of the front line’s growth than Dennison. “Swayde always comes up to me before games and tells me he’s got my back,” said the Panthers signal-caller, “They’re constantly working on figuring out what’s working. By now, they know the offense so well that they can figure out what adjustments they need to make.”
For Noyes, the satisfaction of a successful offensive series comes back to all the time spent in his second home – the weight room. “That place holds so many memories for me,” said Noyes. “It’s really where the success of this program has started.”
While Noyes and the offensive line continue to refine their craft, Dennison has enjoyed the up-tempo style and opportunities to beat defenses in a variety of unique ways. “Every play, we’re just looking to make positive yardage,” said Dennison, “and when we’re really moving, everything really clicks. We’ve built it over four years.”
“Each of us has the opportunity to make a play every time we touch the ball,” agreed Conklin, “and we’re willing to do whatever we can to help out the team.”
For as much as the offense continues to provide explosive plays, the defense continues to steadily shut down opposition. Senior linebacker Matthew Broughton anchors a defensive unit with a team-best 111 stops this season, ranking among league and state leaders. The Panthers have held their opponents to under 21 points in all but three games this season.
Noyes, who joins Baer on the defensive front, noted that the improvement for the defensive unit has been a full unit effort, “We’ve really gotten on the same page,” said Noyes. “It’s really helped us with our run defense.”
“The attitude at practice has been tremendous this year,” added Baer, reflecting Noyes’ sentiments, “We’re very determined to be successful, both on the field and in the classroom.”
In spite of tight losses against Delta and Pagosa Springs, the Panthers bounced back with perhaps their signature win of the season, a 20-14 road victory over Alamosa. It all comes with one of the smallest rosters in the league. “We’ve never given up,” said Baer, “and I think that’s something that the community can be proud of.”
“Breaking records would be great,” added Dennison, “but we will definitely remember the work that it took to get us here.”
Darkness falls on the field, the last Panthers cast silhouettes from across the field as they head home for the night. This past Thursday against Salida, the 12 Panther seniors stood under the bright lights of Panther Stadium one final time.
Reflecting on the finality of it all, Baer recognized that his high school football career is in its twilight, which makes the moments spent with teammates that much more valuable. “It hasn’t been just about the football,” said Baer, “it’s been the friendships we’ve made out here. These guys are like brothers to me.”