Meet the guys behind those amazing Spanish-language Panthers highlights
“TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN!”
I know what that means in any language.
It was yelled over and over again by Latina 102.3 play-by-play announcer Jamie Moreno when Cam made his front-flip touchdown in Week 2 against the Houston Texans.
He yelled “touchdown” 19 times for this game-winning catch against the Saints two seasons ago that sent the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
I came across the Spanish version of the replays on the Panthers Facebook page. I proceeded to watch the Cam front-flip replay in Spanish over and over and OVER again.
Who were these commentators? I wondered. I want to watch the games with them.
I later found out this was Latina 102.3 FM, and Panthers fans everywhere have gone crazy over them.
I sat down with Latina 102.3 color analyst Luis Moreno Jr. a couple of weeks ago — after the Texans win — to learn more.
I speak no Spanish (I know “cerveza” — thank you college spring break) but after watching that clip I wanted more. It was like the World Cup. I don’t even follow soccer really but it’s so exciting.
Why wasn’t I aware that we had Spanish commentators in Bank of America Stadium every Sunday? And that I could listen to them. Nothing against our Enlish-language commentators, but take one listen to Jamie and you will see what I mean.
Every week after a Panthers win — which has happened all five games this season — I go to the Carolina Panthers Facebook and Twitter pages and wait patiently for the clips to be released. It’s my new Monday ritual.
So what do you need to know about the guys at Latina 102.3FM?
– The man you hear most in the now-famous clips is Jamie Moreno, and his nephew, Luis Moreno, is the color analyst.
– Luis Moreno went to Charlotte Catholic High school and played football.
– This is their sixth year calling games. The’ve called more than 100 games for Panthers since the 2010 season.
– You can download the station’s app on your iPhone or Android phone and listen along for free.
– Jaime and Luis organize free football camps for kids in Mexico. Former NFL players such as Frank Garcia, Eugene Robinson, and James Anderson have been invited to play.
I will be listening this Sunday night as the two call the Panthers vs. Eagles game. I want to hear them beat the 19 touchdown calls. Let’s go for 20!
Photos: Charlotte Observer; Luis Moreno; Jenna Gribble.
This story was originally published October 23, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Meet the guys behind those amazing Spanish-language Panthers highlights."