This Friday, the Panthers are looking to extend their season and bring their record from 5-5 to 6-5 and possibly play the Lakota West Firebirds in Round Two. A tough team located up north, and they have put some beating on some teams this year, but that game isn’t the one to worry about.
This is the same round two playoff game for the past three years, but the Panthers have to worry about week one of the playoffs and take care of the Mason Comets.
The Panthers have had a rough season, with lots of injuries and lots of tough games. “You guys have battled all year, you’ve seen seniors fall, you’ve watched players play that had no anticipation playing, and they went out and did what they were asked,”-\ said head coach Doug Ramsey.
Coach Ramsey also emphasized the Panthers need to do their jobs, and not their own thing. He said that instead of going for a sack and leaving your duties as a secondary defender, wait for the sack to come to you so the quarterback can’t convert to a receiver.
“You guys need to trust in us and do your job. This team can’t be run off the one man save the day type thing, it just won’t work like that. We need to work together, don’t you trust the coaches? Now tell me do you guys think we’re dumb? Or that we’re trying to do the right thing, because
the moment you do your job and it doesn’t work, we’ll admit it’s on us. But you can’t abandon your post and do your own thing.” said Ramsey following the loss to LaSalle.
After the loss, the Panthers definitely look sharper than ever, from practice to film. They have been working like clocks to try and make sure they show Mason the beast they are messing with, both the offense and defensive side of the ball seem to be locking in for the playoffs and it has shown in practice.
The Panthers have battled tough all year, they have no reason to fail now. Looking at the team themselves they have everything to gain and nothing to lose, the clock will spin on. The sun will still set and rise, seniors will graduate, and juniors will become seniors and so on. It’s one of Coach James favorite things to say, that no matter what they will always still be here, it’s up to the team to make their mark and show why they are Elder Football.
