The Alma Panthers are off to their best start to a football season since 2007 but they don't want to settle there. This group of hungry Panthers has one thing in mind.
TVC Central Champs.
After graduating six very talented players from last years team including the teams biggest offensive and defensive weapons most thought the Panthers would take a step back from the 9-2 (6-1) season they had a year ago. The doubters have been proved wrong. After a 21-7 victory over Freeland which is the programs first since 2012 this team has the making to be something special.
Helping take the pressure off the offense is Brec Alward. The Junior has had a stellar season picking up the load of the carries this year and made them count rushing for over 800 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. Running the ball isn't the only place Alward is a threat though he doubles as a defensive back where he has had one pick six and most recently a 3 interception night vs Freeland. Alward has been great but the Panthers biggest improvement from a year ago is Quarterback Drew Humm. Now a Junior he has limited his mistakes and really improved his game and decision making his second season on varsity has seen him make a huge leap.
The defense and special teams is no joke either with Alward and Brandon Huff a threat to take it to the house on any kickoff and steady defensive pressure from Seniors Brock Milan and Chase Albaugh. This team is clicking on all cylinders with two of their toughest tests looming.
This week Alma hosts Carrollton for homecoming who comes in at 5-1 (4-1) and looking for their share with of the TVC Central. And after that comes Swan Valley who is 5-1 (5-0) which will almost certainly decide the conference one way or another. The Panthers want to be on the right side of that says Brec, "Winning the TVC is our biggest goal right now, we want it then we'll worry about playoffs." Brock Milan also added "Being a Senior going out with a TVC title would be awesome we're all excited to be in the place we're at."
Alma hosts Carrollton for their last regular season home game before traveling to Swan Valley and ending the season at Big Rapids.
