IMA SPORTS

The Maumee football team will look to make it three wins in a row and get closer to two of its biggest goals when the Panthers travel to Otsego for a Northern Buckeye Conference clash on Friday.

Maumee has won four of its last five games since starting the season 0-2, and the Panthers have outscored those opponents 204-87 and out-gained them on average 382-222. Maumee is now 4-3 overall and 4-1 in the conference.

“I feel really good about where we are as a team right now. We’ve grown a lot since the start of the season, and our young guys have gained valuable experience,” Maumee coach Evan Karchner said. “We know this stretch will test us, but our confidence and belief in each other are at an all-time high. If we continue to play disciplined, physical football, we’ll give ourselves a great chance to win each week.”

Not surprisingly, senior quarterback Ben Kubicz found his rhythm over the last five games, throwing for 1,015 yards and 15 touchdowns with only two interceptions while completing 73 percent of his passes. His top two targets have been Eli Dodson (328 yards, three TDs) and Will Kubicz (358 yards, six TDs).

The young running backs have also progressed quite a bit throughout the season. In the last five games, Cohen Jones has rushed for 398 yards and eight scores, while Travis Garrett Jr. has added 240 yards and three TDs.

They’ll have their hands full against an Otsego squad that can’t really be judged by its 3-4 overall record or 1-3 mark in the NBC – the Knights played Liberty Center, Genoa, Oak Harbor and Eastwood in consecutive weeks, teams with a combined 24-4 record this season, before beating Lake last week to snap a four-games losing skid.

“Their record definitely doesn’t tell the whole story,” Karchner said. “Otsego has played a tough schedule and battled some really strong programs. They’re well-coached, physical and always play hard. We know better than to look at their record. We know we’re going to get their best shot and we plan on giving them ours.”

Since Maumee departed the Northern Lakes League and its annual clash with Perrysburg, the question of who the Panthers’ league rival would be has been thrown around. While there are a few teams you could argue for, Otsego and Maumee make a great case as each other’s biggest league rival.

In 2023, the Knights stonewalled the Panthers’ playoff hopes with a 37-32 win in Week 10. Maumee got a measure of revenge last year in a 41-17 victory.

“Anytime Maumee and Otsego line up, there’s a lot of intensity,” Karchner said. “Both programs are competitive and take pride in what they do. The energy around this matchup has grown, and it’s becoming one of those games that both communities circle on the calendar. It’s physical, emotional football, and that’s what makes it special.”

The Panthers currently sit at No. 12 in the Division III, Region 10 computer rankings, the final qualifying spot for the postseason. They control their own destiny, and with at least two wins in the final three games, they’ll most likely qualify for the playoffs.

There’s also an outside chance for Maumee to claim a share of the NBC title. A big piece to that puzzle will be decided tonight in Genoa, where the Comets host Eastwood in a battle of 4-0 league teams. If Eastwood wins, it leaves the door open for Maumee to sweep its final three games and grab a piece of the conference crown.

And while Karchner admitted to keeping an eye on what’s happening around the NBC, Maumee’s main focus remains internal.

“We can’t control what happens in other games. We can only control how we prepare and perform on Friday night. If we take care of business and play our best football, the rest will take care of itself,” Karchner said.

Photo courtesy of Pride of the Panthers
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