Lean years over for Prospect football

By Dick Sparrer

It's been a few years since Prospect was a serious football contender in the Blossom Valley Athletic League. It was back in 1997 when the Panthers last made a run at a title, and they ended up tying for first place that fall in the Santa Teresa Division of the BVAL.

Since that time, though, the Panthers have been in for some lean years.

Those times appear to be over, however, at least if first-year coach Mike Carrozzo has anything to do with it.

Carrozzo takes over a club that finished sixth in the division with a 1-5 record a year ago. And he believes that the Panthers have what it takes this year to contend for the division crown.

"I am extremely pleased and encouraged by the dedication, work ethic and athletic ability of our core group of players," said Carrozzo of his Panthers. "Our goals are high for the upcoming season but they are achievable."

Prospect's goal? To finish first or second in the Santa Teresa Division this season.

Big Tony Barba (5-foot-11, 286 pounds) is a two-way starter up front for the Panthers, and the returning starter is expected to have a banner season as a senior.

Senior Ryan Schaefers (6-foot-1, 190) and junior Austin Baumgarten (5-foot-11, 208) are two solid linebackers who will team up with Barba to lead a solid Prospect defensive unit.

Senior running backs Brent Maselli (5-foot-10, 172) and Trevor Rogers (6-foot-3, 176) are expected to lead the offensive attack for the Panthers.

Seniors George Brown (5-foot-9, 187, fullback), Ted Caskey (6-foot, 189, linebacker), Roger Meza (5-foot-10, 224, lineman), Thomas Niemann (5-foot-10, 182, running back) and Mike Reclusado (5-foot-10, 164, defensive back) are other varsity returners for the Panthers along with juniors Adam Day (5-foot-7, 137, defensive back) and Steven Vidal (6-foot-1, 172, quarterback).

Seniors T.J. Wyatt (5-foot-10, 162, wide receiver), J.D. Mazzuca (5-foot-10, 151, wide receiver) and Andrew Meade (6-foot, 214, tight end) are top prospects for the Panthers as is sophomore fullback Andrew Shouse (5-foot-7, 160).

"We have a very challenging schedule ahead of us," added the coach, "but I am confident that if we work as hard and as smart as we have for the last three months, we will be able to accomplish anything we set our minds to."

The Panthers, 2-8 overall last year, will open the season on the road when they take on Saratoga on Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m., at Los Gatos.

Ken Padia, who last season was the Leigh head coach, joins the Prospect staff as the offensive coordinator. John Hardwick and Dennis Weber are other Prospect assistants.

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