The last time a Panther Valley football team recorded four or more wins in a season was 16 years ago.

Since 2009, when PV finished with a 9-3 mark, the program has averaged just 1.9 wins per season.

But Panthers head coach Mark Lavine, his staff and his players have been putting the time in and working hard to bring the PV program back to formidable ranks.

On Friday night against a 1-7 Mahanoy Area team, the Panthers (3-5) have a shot to get one step closer to that goal.

PV looks to capture its fourth win of the season as it travels to Bears’ country in the Week 9 Times News Game of the Week.

“We brought it up to the players and we talked about it,” said Lavine, referring to the Panthers looking to capture their fourth win. “It’s definitely a goal of ours. Coming into the season, we thought 5-6 wins was attainable, but we weren’t able to get there, but you can see the improvement.

“The feelings within the program right now are very positive. We have good numbers on varsity and we have really good numbers at the junior high level, so we’re looking forward to continuing to work hard to get better and build.”

A key reason for the Panthers improved play this season has been the success of their passing attack, which has been dynamic at times.

Senior quarterback Brody Breiner has looked good, and has been able to make plays both with his legs and his arm.

Breiner has passed for 1,002 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions, while also rushing for 562 yards and six scores.

In addition, Breiner has a talented trio of wide receivers to work with in Gavin Yurichek, who leads PV with 40 catches for 433 yards and three touchdowns; Chase McArdle, who has hauled in 41 balls for 330 yards and two scores; and Ben Baneravage, who has tallied 16 catches for 162 yards and two TDs.

“Offensively, we have been able to both run and throw. We’re not one dimensional, and that’s been big for us,” said Lavine. “Brody has done a nice job for us, and I think our receivers are as good as anybody’s. We have been able to cause matchup problems and execute some stuff that in the past we could not. A play call like taking a shot with a fade ball in the red zone and our guys having the confidence to go up and make the play for the score. I think that has been a big difference for us.”

The Panthers’ defense will need to defend against Mahanoy Area’s triple option attack this week.

The Bears boast a young offensive unit, and are led by fullback Kyler Quick. Quick had a productive game last week in a 42-7 loss to Tri-Valley, rushing for 100 yards on 21 carries and a rushing touchdown. Quick’s season numbers are 105 carries for 530 yards. Quick also leads the Bears on the defensive end with 84 tackles, four sacks, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and an interception.

On the season, the PV defense has struggled at times against the run, giving up 180.5 rushing yards per game. But the Panthers front has improved as the season has progressed.

“Early on in the season we were a little disappointed with our play up front. We have some nice size up front, and we thought coming in that we shouldn’t be bullied up front in any of our games. But that group has really come around on both sides of the ball. They’re really starting to play like a unit. Marco Tessitore leads those guys, and we think he’s as good as anybody in the league,” said Lavine.

“Everything Mahanoy likes to do runs through their fullback Quick. So priority No. 1 is going to be stopping him. We’re going to need to mix some things up to try and get some advantages, but winning on first down is going to be key for us. We know they’re going to want to grind it out and take time off the clock. In general, winning the battle up front I think will be the difference in the game.”