Following a 3-7 season in which the Montezuma-Cortez High School football team looked much improved, six Panthers' players were selected to the West Slope League All Conference Team.
Panthers' players named to the All-Conference Team were Randy Haley, Jonathan Walck, David Skaggs, Austin Bayles, Ryan Gurney and Victor Perez.
"It's very deserving," said Panthers' head coach Casey Coulter. "They work hard year round. This is a tribute to all of their hard work."
Randy Haley - First Team All-Conference
Headlining the Panthers' all-conference selectees was junior running back/linebacker Randy Haley.
In addition to leading the Panthers in rushing with 898 yards and 11 touchdowns, Haley contributed as a pass catcher, registering 144 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Haley was also impressive, registering a team-leading 93 tackles to go along with three fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
"I had a lot of success, but a lot of it was due to my line," said Haley. "They opened up holes and allowed me to run for the yards that I did."
Jonathan Walck - All-Conference Honorable Mention
Leading the Panthers from the quarterback position, junior Jonathan Walck enjoyed a solid season, passing for 847 yards and nine touchdowns and rushing for 563 yards and five touchdowns.
"Our season was pretty good," said Walck. "We just need to keep improving next year."
David Skaggs - All-Conference Honorable Mention
One of four Panthers' sophomores selected to the all-conference team, linebacker David Skaggs anchored a much-improved Panthers' defense.
Second on the team with 88 tackles, Skaggs also had three interceptions and two receiving touchdowns.
"It's a lot of hard work and dedication paying off," said Skaggs of his selection. "I thank my coach for pushing me as hard as he did."
Austin Bayles - All-Conference Honorable Mention
One of the Panthers bright young stars, sophomore Austin Bayles contributed on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
As a receiver, Bayles had 198 receiving yards and two touchdowns. As a defensive back, Bayles registered four interceptions and one fumble recovery.
"Overall, I'm pretty happy," said Bayles. "I'm going to use the offseason to get stronger, faster and more conscious of the game."
Ryan Gurney - All-Conference Honorable Mention
A sparkplug on both sides of the ball, sophomore Ryan Gurney recorded 306 yards receiving, three receiving touchdowns, 69 total tackles and a team leading six interceptions.
"I just try to play hard and play for our team," said Gurney.
Victor Perez - All-Conference Honorable Mention
A stalwart on the Panthers' offensive and defensive lines, sophomore Victor Perez registered 53 total tackles on the season while opening holes for Panthers ball carriers.
"I'm going to work on technique and speed," said Perez of his offseason plans.
