FERRUM (WSLS 10 SPORTS) -The Panthers return to the gridiron this season after finishing 2015 with just two wins. Three of there losses were within nine points, so the team knows that could have been the difference in finishing at 5-5 rather than 2-8.
"We just got to come together as a team and we just got to be disciplined and hold everybody accountable", said defensive lineman Montel Lee.
The defense allowed an average of 42.9 points per game but they're all about moving forward and looking at the positives. They're anchored by two-time first team all conference player Montel Lee, who lead the team with nine sacks and sixteen and a half tackles for loss. He and teammate Alveno Matthews echo the same sentiments about what has to change this season.
"We just have to learn how to finish a game in the second half. That was our problem last year and I think we got a little bit complacent", said Lee.
"Get off the ball be fast stay low and get our hands right. do what we have to do as a d-line unit to make things easier for our back half of the defense", said Matthews.
The Panthers have won just five games in the past three seasons but they're hoping that the intensity from new coach Rob Grande, will generate success on the field this season.
"It's an investment I keep telling them that the more invested the more it's going to matter and if you equate that to the stock market if you're not invested in it you're not watching the Dow Jones and check on your stock prices because you don't have anything in it", said Grande.
Former Magna Vista standout Harvey Taylor says it's been a smooth transition with Coach Grande and his staff. He says the team has been pushed more than ever in the offseason.
"It's not too many changes that we've gone through. We've been battling in the weight room we had 15 weeks with him early on in the year we've really worked hard in the weight room to get stronger and better and faster and he's pushed us to do that", said Taylor.
Grande is pushing a team to get better to ultimately restore the roar at Ferrum.