San Antonio O’Connor Panthers
Head Coach: David Malesky (17th season; 112-72 record)
Last Season: 4-7; 4-4 in district (Lost to San Antonio Johnson in bi-district)
Returning Lettermen: 26 (4 returning starters on offense; 3 on defense)
O’Connor Key Players and Storylines
Belief is back at O’Connor after the Panthers snapped a five-year playoff drought last season. However, it’s up to the next group of players to carry on that momentum with just seven returning starters.
The Panthers will be young, but head coach David Malesky said they will be athletic. They still have some strong senior leadership with returning second team all-district running back Wyatt McKenzie (881 rushing yards and nine touchdowns) and quarterback Wade Carpenter (363 passing yards and four touchdowns), who started six games in 2025. He’ll be well-protected by tackle JP Lazo-Cazares, who has a full year of starting experience under his belt.
I averaged 5.8 a carry and had over a 100 rushing yards every game with no fumbles on 151 carry’s for 900 rushing yards ready for all the work to show this next season co27 🔥🔥@BDammone @Adrian__Duncan @RussHeidiSLC @CoachBeaudin @PRYDE_210 @PPG_Jackboyz pic.twitter.com/ur3Ulg7uIG
— Wyatt Mckenzie (@WyattMckenzieRB) July 18, 2026
Defensively, the Panthers will be ready to scrap in the trenches. Senior defensive end Ethan Davila (32 tackles) has two years of starting experience under his belt and earned first team all-district honors last year. Junior Cannon Brooks (27 tackles) has the versatility to play both up front and at linebacker, while senior nose tackle Noah Apolinar will be O’Connor’s rock in the middle.
Malesky is optimistic about the potential the Panthers have this year, but time will tell on whether this young group can rise to the occasion. He has challenged his guys to win both their first game of the year and their first district game as they look to get the momentum needed to try and push for a winning record and another playoff berth.
O’Connor Key Players and Storylines
*Denotes District 29-6A contest
- August 29 vs. Brandeis at Farris 7:00 p.m.
- September 5 vs. Wagner at Farris 7:00 p.m.
- *September 17 vs. Holmes at Gustafson 7:00 p.m.
- *September 25 @ Brennan at Farris 7:30 p.m.
- *October 2 vs. Stevens at Farris 7:30 p.m.
- *October 9 @ Warren at Farris 7:30 p.m.
- *October 16 vs. Marshall at Farris 7:30 p.m.
- *October 24 @ Harlan at Farris 2:00 p.m.
- *October 31 vs. Taft at Farris 2:00 p.m.
- *November 6 @ Sotomayor at Gustafson 7:30 p.m.
