Gameday Takeaways, Week 7

Last week, the Panthers continued their string of region games with a contest against the Whitewater Wildcats. Starr’s Mill went right on the attack from the opening drive and never looked back, winning 42-3. Here are three notes from a dominating performance.

1. Sims, Bodne combo is hard to stop

Throughout the season, seniors Kalen Sims and Ben Bodne have each had their fair share of great games. Opposing defenses struggle when they have to deal with Sims’ speed and Bodne’s power. So far, Sims has rushed for 716 yards and three touchdowns, while Bodne has rushed for 566 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

In the last two games, both of them have hit it off at the same time, making a powerful 1-2 punch that makes opposing defenses struggle. Look for more of the same as they face off against three weak defenses to end the regular season.

2. Secondary putting the pass game on lockdown

Defense has been a top priority for the Panthers, and they have proven that they can stop the run easily. However, the secondary unit has stepped up in a big way.

Last week against Whitewater, they forced four interceptions, three of which came from junior Cole Bishop. That performance gives the team 10 total interceptions, which is already more than last year’s total for the season. 

A defense that can succeed in the run and pass game will give the Panthers a nice easy ride through the rest of the region opponents.

3. Whitewater struggles are real

Whitewater has struggled the last two seasons, only winning two games in that span. From an offense that was only able to produce 128 yards, to four interceptions from quarterbacks Austin Williams and Maddox Mueller, the offense has been struggling to get points on the board.

As if an under-performing offense wasn’t enough, the Wildcat defense allowed 430 yards from the Panthers, 280 of which came from Sims and Bodne. A change needs to be made within Wildcat football. And fast.

What to watch for this week

The rivalry is set. This Friday, the Panthers make the short trip up Robinson Road to take on the team in green and white. The McIntosh Chiefs are in a similar situation to the Wildcats, as they have struggled on the offensive end of the ball. However, sophomore Hayes Herzog has made some big plays, and is fun to watch.

Defensively, going up against a Panther offense that’s coming off a 430-yard performance doesn’t help, as the Panthers just have too much momentum for the Chiefs to stop. Despite a win in exciting fashion against Fayette County, that may be their only victory in the region this season.

Starr’s Mill takes on McIntosh in the Battle of the Bubble this Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.