Last season, Orange cornerback Eryk Mercado tied for the team lead in interceptions and led the team in pass breakups. Now, as a senior, Mercado is a co-captain, inheriting a role that Payton Wilson held last year. Mercado will lead a younger Orange defense that held Eastern Alamance to one touchdown in Friday’s scrimmage in Mebane. On Friday, the Panthers open the season at home against Northern Nash.