Lots of storylines to follow as Panthers open football season at Springfield

By JEREMY SCHNEIDER

MIRROR SPORTS

Evan Karchner has been excited for August 23, 2024, since his team left the field after a loss at Otsego 10 months ago.

Karchner knows his team left a great opportunity on the field against the Knights, most notably a chance to play in Week 11 and qualify for the postseason.

It’s been a long 10 months of work and preparing while no one is watching.

That all ends Friday night when the Panthers travel to face Springfield at 7 p.m.

Last year’s 5-5 season started with a 27-20 win over the Blue Devils in Week 1. It’s a loss that certainly has lingered with the Springfield program.

“Us winning that game last year, that was a big deal for us,” Karchner said. “Springfield never heard the end of it for an entire year. They’re going to want to get back at us.”

The Panthers went up in that game 14-6 at halftime and 21-6 before holding off a Springfield rally to secure the win.

Maumee rushed for 221 yards, with Cody Wulf totaling 112 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown. Keishon Midcalf added 35 yards and a TD.

The Blue Devils totaled 298 yards and averaged more than five yards per play. They rushed for 187 yards and chewed up nearly 6.5 yards on every carry.

“They have some weapons,” Karchner said. “We’re going to have to play some good defense. We’re going to have to find some ways to get into the end zone.”

Springfield is the first of two straight road games for Maumee to open the season. The Panthers travel to Bryan in Week 2 before hosting Bowsher to round out the non-conference schedule.

This matchup between former Northern Lakes League rivals figures to be full of emotion. That usually happens when neighboring school districts battle on the field for bragging rights.

“I’m confident with the progress we’ve made,” Karchner said. “I’ve told our guys, ‘We should win games. We should expect to win.’ When we walk in, it shouldn’t be a shock. We shouldn’t be hugging each other at the end. It’s going to be business as usual.

“We’re going to give them our best game. They better be prepared to give us their best game.”

Photos courtesy of Pride of the Panthers

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com