Many high school football coaches across Iowa are identifying players in preseason camps who could surprise opposing teams in the coming weeks. The Raccoon Valley Radio Network interviewed Panorama first-year head coach Mike Kauzlarich for Monday’s Guthrie County PM Sports Page and began discussing personnel and which players he feels could have impacts on this year’s campaign. A player Kauzlarich is excited to see in action this season is incoming senior Gracen Welburg. “This kid catches the ball better than anyone I’ve seen, and I’ve coaches 1,000-yard receivers before.” Kauzlarich said, “He’s electrifying with (the football), and runs great routes, gets great separation. The kids the total package, (and) is one of the best receivers I’ve ever seen.”

Welburg’s previous two varsity football seasons saw him catch 12 total passes for 90 yards and zero touchdowns. A three-sport varsity athlete as a junior, Welburg was the top scorer and rebounder on the Panthers varsity basketball team last winter. He also qualified for the Class 2A State High Jump competition in the spring. The 2018 Panorama Panthers football season kicks off next Friday, August 24, on the road against the Fort Dodge St Edmond Gaels.