United Township High School - Skyline Yearbook (East Moline, IL)

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22 FU TIS LL SHUWS DIQUM Sli We would have liked to have won a few more games-and there were some injuries that hurt us-but overall, we were satisfied with the kids' effort. They fought hard, and it made a dif- ference toward the end of the season. These are the words of new head coach, James Sanders, regarding the '78 varsity football team. The Pan- thers finished the season with a 2-7 record, winning the season opener against Bettendorf and the final home game against Quincy. In the Bettendorf game the Pan- thers, led by jr. quarterback Darren Butler, amazed the Bulldogs and de- lighted the Panther fans by combin- ing a spectacular passing and running game with a strong defense on their route to a 20-7 victory. The Quincy victory was equally as delightful as the Panthers, led by sr. quarterback Rick Coutteau freplacing an injured Darren Butler put together an offensive and defensive show that stymied the Blue Devils and gave the Panthers their second victory 35-8. This year's season may signify what is to come in the way of Panther 1. Coach Iim Sanders in his first year at the football helm found the Panther football pro- gram in fairly good condition. 2. Four Panthers have successfully read the Moline offense and allow them short yardage. 3. Alex Terronez and Ralph Sanders lr. emerge from the Panther fan tunnel ready to take on the Moline Maroons. 4. Bruce Anderson and Brock Coverdill, along with other players and managers, keep close watch on the game. 5. jeff Grasz and jack Ket- tering served as trainers for the 78 season. football under new head coach Sand- ers and his assistants, l-larry Arvanis, jim Smith, and lim Unrath. Sanders, who came to UT from Kewanee High School, didn't make any major changes in the football program. I think the program is just down be- cause ofthe wonfloss record. The kids were fundamentally sound and we have mostly the same coaches Sand- ers also added, When we can send out as many quality kids as the other team, we'll win a lot more games. Sanders cited the freshman football program as a good example. If the 50 plus freshman stay with UT football through the varsity level, the selection of players will be an asset. continued on page 24 Football '78

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X., i f-4' 5? 1. The sophomore football team faced the Bet- tendorf Bulldogs for their opening game this year. 2. The varsity golf team takes a rest from their rugged season. 3. The varsity foot- ball cheerleaders practice one of their many formations. 4. Even though it was a losing sea- son for the girls tennis team, Karen Sheley, Karen Weidenmann and Kim Benson never gave up hope. 5. Javier Riojas takes a break from the difficult Bettendorf game to have Coach Arvanis help with his equipment. Sports 1

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11 171 wand I Q will: I 1 1' 54 ,.-4 ll xi' 1 11 , N 1 v G Q '41-X , as ,, l 1 x 4,-Q 1. The Panther defense was solid during the Moline game as Kurt Wiegal and Bill Seaman hold the Moline offense to short yardage on this play. 2. Fullback john Schwaesdall finds no open space on this play against Regis. 3. Eric Walker, 86, converges on Moline's number 46 as the rest of the Panther defense charges to assist him. Football 78 23