IMA SPORTS

Maumee lost some key pieces to its passing game — on both offense and defense — from last season, so a major focus for the football team this summer has been building confidence and continuity within those units.

That chemistry isn’t built through practices alone. Last week, the Panthers strapped on their helmets against different opponents for the first time this season, playing 7-on-7s against Patrick Henry at home and on the road at Port Clinton.

“Facing two strong programs in Patrick Henry and Port Clinton gave our guys a real test, and they responded well. We definitely saw growth. Our timing improved, communication on defense sharpened, and younger players started to settle in,” head coach Evan Karchner said. “These experiences helped build confidence that’s now carrying over into practice.”

A scrimmage for skill positions, 7-on-7s match quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends against linebackers and defensive backs. Score typically isn’t kept, and each offense receives a set number of plays before handing the ball over to the other team. A timed down-and-distance period usually ends the scrimmage.

Since taking over the program, Karchner has scheduled Maumee in 7-on-7s against Woodmore, Start, Ottawa-Glandorf, Elmwood, Port Clinton and Patrick Henry. There are several reasons behind the matchups he seeks.

“We’re intentional about who we schedule,” he said. “Sometimes it’s about matching up against teams that mirror what we’ll see during the regular season. Other times, we look for programs that will challenge specific areas — like a team that throws it well so we can test our coverages, or one that brings different looks defensively.

“It’s all about preparation and making sure we’re putting our guys in situations that help us improve.”

Even though the Panthers are looking to new faces to fill roles at receiver, running back, defensive back and linebacker this year, the one constant is senior quarterback Ben Kubicz, who has started 18 straight games since his sophomore season.

Last year, Kubicz threw for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 62 percent of his passes. Karchner said that continuity at quarterback has been key for several reasons.

“His comfort in the offense allows us to expand what we do and be more efficient in how we install things,” Karchner said. “There’s a level of trust and leadership that comes with a third-year starter — not just between us and Ben, but between Ben and his teammates. You can see it in how he communicates, how he carries himself and how he helps younger players get up to speed.”

Now that the 7-on-7s are finished, Maumee turns its attention to two preseason scrimmages — at Bowling Green on Aug. 8 and home against Clay on Aug. 15, which will also serve as Fall Sports Preview Night.

It’s another step checked off before the games start counting on Aug. 22.

“We’re definitely excited,” Karchner said. “The 7-on-7s were a great phase of our preparation, but now it’s time to take the next step into more physical, game-like environments.

“Scrimmaging teams like Bowling Green and Clay gives us a great chance to see how we stack up in live situations. It’s all part of the process as we build toward Aug. 22. We like the direction we’re headed, and these next couple of weeks will be huge in sharpening everything.”

Photo courtesy of Pride of the Panthers
Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com