Snider Hopes To Carry Momentum Into '12

CLICK ON VIDEO TAB TO SEE WANE'S COVERAGE AND FULL INTERVIEWS WITH HEAD COACH KURT TIPPMANN (CLIP 2), WR NICK REESE (CLIP 3) AND OL RUBEN HOLCOMB (CLIP 4).

FORT WAYNE, IN. - The 2011 season was the kind that Snider head coach Kurt Tippmann can feel good about. His Panthers team rolled in the playoffs, all the way to a Semi-State berth. It's the regular season he'd like to change.

Before reeling off four straight playoff wins, Snider was grateful just to finish a game over .500 at 5-4. It's the way the year ended that should have Panthers fans optimistic for another deep postseason run this fall.

All-State performers John Nelson (RB) and Donte Bowers (DE) were lost the graduation, but quarterback Brandon Phelps is back, bolstered by a massive and experienced offensive line. Tight ends Addison Dellinger and Josh Spitnale are back as well.

The defensive unit returns five starters, but needs to improve to a degree this year. The Panthers 4-4 system allowed just over 300 yards of total offense per game last season.

The season begins on August 17th with a huge showdown at home against three-time defending 2A state champion Bishop Luers.