Alma Panthers are poised and ready for a big run in the 2017 MHSAA State playoffs.
After a win over Big Rapids last week the Panthers are feeling confident after a big 39-33 win. Leading rusher Brec Alward led the Panthers in the win over Big Rapids with 270 yards on 32 carries (Topher Goggin Morning Sun).
With Alward's huge night it came at a great cost, he has an apparent ankle injury which has sidelined him from practice this week in a boot.
"I just got tackled wrong and landed on it in a bad way. I have a sharp pain right above the ankle, I'm going to do everything I can to try and play Friday but I'm not sure at this point."
A couple of his Alma Panther teammates had something to say about the injury and how they're going to respond as a team Friday.
"It sucks to lose a player like Brec, but the game plan will remain the same. We have some great players who want to step up and will do great." -Drew Humm Junior QB
"If he plays, he plays. He'll be a huge help to our team but if not we've practiced without him all week and we have players with skill its just all about execution on Friday night." Added Senior Linebacker Brock Milan
Another factor into the game is the field change from Alma HS (grass) to Alma College (turf) due to poor field conditions caused by rain this week.
"Playing on Alma College's field will be different but we're going to have to play our game." -Humm
"It wont be any different than last week when we played at Big Rapids on Ferris' football field which is turf. The biggest thing is its a playoff game now and being here last year I know how your nerves gets rushing. We just have to play Panther football for 48 minutes and the results will come." -Milan
With or without Alward Friday night the Panthers look to get back to the district championship in consecutive years. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Alma College.
