It will certainly be one of the smallest rosters Perry has fielded in recent years in terms of numbers, but Head Coach Bryce Pierce has a good feeling about the way his squad has worked in preparation for tonight’s season opener against Panorama.

“This has really been a fun group to work with summer,” Pierce said.  “They show up each day and want to learn and want to get better and grow.  Their attitude has been so positive and I’m really enjoying my time with them.”

Perry will look to snap one of the state’s longest losing skids tonight at Dewey Field against a Panorama team that finished 1-7 a year ago.  The Panthers return some talent in key positions including tailback Ryan Cogil and wide receiver Klayton Bremer.  Junior Caden Van Meer brings a strong arm to the quarterback position and is poised for a big season under center for the Panthers.

The key for Perry tonight and the rest of the season will be improved production on the offensive side of the football.  The Bluejays were last in the state a year ago in total offense averaging less than 1 yard per carry.  Pierce knows that number must change if the Jays are to snap the losing streak.

“We have made a few changes to try and bring a more physical approach to the line of scrimmage.  Since we don’t have the numbers to go a full one versus one with starters, we have went to half line drills with our top guys going against one another.  I like what I have seen.”

Kickoff for this rare week 0 matchup will be at 7:00 at Dewey Field with pregame slated for 6:30 on KDLS and streaming at raccoonvalleyradio.com with Shawn Kenney handling the play by play.