The old adage has it best: You never stay the same. You’re either getting better, or you’re getting worse. That couldn’t be more true for the Jordan Panthers, who finished last year with the maddening record of 5-5, just outside the spacious Moore League playoff bubble. Two years ago, the Panthers had loads of talent, but were plagued by injuries; last year, they avoided the injuries, but couldn’t shake the bad luck. Two or three plays go the other way (particularly in a heartbreak of a loss against Millikan), and Jordan could have gone from 1-9 in 2006 to the playoffs in 2007.

Much of the Panthers’ hopes are pinned on the backs of their secondary, led by quarterback-turned-safety Tyaries Francis and Arizona U-bound Taniela Maka. These Roy Williams-esque safeties might make receivers think twice before jogging across the middle. The offense will be conducted by junior quarterback John Timu, who took about half the snaps last season, displaying creativity on the field, making opportunities out of nothing and extending plays with his feet. Timu will be a fun quarterback to watch, and if he can find a favorite target he could put together a special season on the ground and through the air.

The emphasis at Jordan is on making things new. When we visited with Coach Meyer, the newly sodded field was so pristine that not even coaches were allowed on it. This season, they’ll have the chance to defend that new home turf against three Moore League teams that made it into the playoffs last season, including a final match at home against Poly, that could decide whether they continue to hover around the middle of the pack, or whether these black cats can finally catch some luck.

JORDAN PANTHERS 2008 SCHEDULE – All games start at 7pm
Sept. 12 vs. Beverly Hills
Sept. 19 vs. Pasadena at Pasadena CC
Sept. 26 at Capistrano Valley
Oct. 3 vs. Santa Monica
Oct. 10 vs. Millikan
Oct. 17 vs. Lakewood
Oct. 24 at Compton
Oct. 30 at Wilson
Nov. 7 at Cabrillo
Nov. 14 vs. Poly