Panthers ready for next challenge with trip to Bryan

Keishon Midcalf rushed for 129 yards a pair of touchdowns in last week's 41-8 win over Springfield. / Pride of the Panthers

By JEREMY SCHNEIDER

IMA SPORTS

For the second straight season, Maumee is heading into Week 2 of the football season with a chance to go 2-0.

It didn’t work out last year as Bryan hung a 42-35 loss on the Panthers, but Maumee coach Evan Karchner is confident this team has what it takes to correct last year’s problems.

“This is going to be a big week for us,” Karchner said. “We gave up a lot of points and lost a close one to Bryan last year.”

The Golden Bears scored twice in the second quarter last year to take a 21-14 lead into halftime, which ended up being just enough as both teams traded touchdowns in the second half.

Bryan chewed up the Maumee defense on the ground last season, gaining 436 yards on 48 carries (9.1 yards per rush) and 23 of its 30 first downs. Five of their six touchdowns came from the rushing game.

Sam Herold rushed for 193 yards on 15 carries, and Jase Kepler had 20 rushes for 162 yards and four scores.

“They’re a tough team,” Karchner said. “They want to run the football, so that’s also going to be on us, showing that we’re a tough team.”

The good news is, both Herold and Kepler have graduated.

In last week’s 48-8 loss at Van Wert, the Golden Bears rushed for 180 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. Damien Wolfe had 128 yards on 18 rushes.

Quarterback Cade Carlin added 34 rushing yards while going 10-for-22 for 87 yards and the lone TD.

Based on last week’s 41-8 win over Springfield, this Maumee defense looks up to the task. The Panthers allowed only 116 rushing yards while coming up with four turnovers.

“I’m confident that we can score on anyone that we play,” Karchner said. “We just have to show up on defense. Keep playing tough, keep working on our tackling, pursuit and turnovers.”

Keishon Midcalf and Cody Wulf combined for 230 rushing yards and three scores against the Blue Devils. Ben Kubicz completed 11-of-16 passes for 154 yards and three scores, two going to Carson Graetz.

“I plan on being a championship team, and I know our guys do too,” Karchner said. “I’ll keep pushing them hard until that point happens. Sometimes they’re going to hate me. It’s going to start on Monday. We’re going to get after it.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Golden Bear Stadium is located west of the high school at 1301 Center Street.

Photos courtesy of Pride of the Panthers

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com