Still, the Panthers managed to beat Overfelt for their only win of the season.

And it's that winning memory that second-year head coach Mike Carrozzo hopes to carry over to the upcoming season. But the coach also knew that it would take more than a memory for his Panthers to turn around last year's 1-9 season.

"Having finished last season dressing 18 players for our final game, the first order of business was to increase the number of players in our program," said Carrozzo. "We are currently at approximately 32 players, plus an additional four that are working hard as scout team players until the first grade check."

But it wasn't just the personnel that Carrozzo felt needed work.

"We have also managed to build an outstanding coaching staff resulting from 53 interviews in the off-season," said the Prospect boss.

After improving the club's numbers and coaching staff, Carrozzo and his Panthers went to work.

"Our program has certainly worked hard enough this summer to see better success than last year," he said. "We are still relatively young and inexperienced, but we have come a long way in the last few months.

"The core players of the program have made tremendous sacrifices to better themselves individually and as a team."

Leading the charge for the Panthers will be seniors Austin Baumgarten (5-foot-11, 220 pounds), Steven Kong (5-foot-8, 145), Jonathan Vela (6-foot, 235) and Mark Draper (5-foot-11, 240).

"They have led this team through the summer program with great intensity," said Carrozzo.

Kong, a running back, and Vela, a fullback, figure to lead the ground attack for the Panthers, working behind Baumgarten and Draper in the offensive line.

Baumgarten doubles as a linebacker for the Prospect defense, with Kong in the secondary, Vela at end and Draper in the line.

Senior Adam Day (5-foot-8, 140) and sophomore Troy Varanchodom (5-foot-9, 150) are battling for the starting job at quarterback, and Ted Piggins (5-foot-10, 167) and Andrew Shouse (5-foot-7, 165) are other returners in the offensive backfield and at linebacker.

"We have many new faces in the program and they have also worked incredibly hard," added the coach. "The future looks bright for this team."

Carrozzo rates Independence as the team to beat in the Santa Teresa Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League. And as for his team's chances? "It's anyone's guess," he said.

"Who knows how this year will end up," he added, "but no matter what the final results, I am very proud of the dedication, leadership and work ethic these players and coaches have shown. That's what high school football is all about."

The Panthers will jump right into the 2002 season on Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m., when they face Harker Academy at San Jose PAL Stadium.

"We're anxious to buckle up and play against Harker," said Carrozzo.

Prospect schedule

Sept. 6—Harker at PAL Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 13—at Sequoia, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27—American, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 5—Independence,* 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 12—at Del Mar,* 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 18—at Westmont,* 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 25—Silver Creek,* 2:45 p.m.
Nov. 2—Leland*, 1:30 p.m. **
Nov. 8—Piedmont Hills, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 15—Andrew Hill* at PAL, 7:30 p.m.
* Santa Teresa Division game
** Homecoming game