Whats next?

The season is officially over and the Panthers had an incredible season; however, it did not end the way they hoped. 

The Panthers started the season off with a 6-0 hot streak. Their high power offense and defense proved too much for the teams they faced. The electrifying combination of Drew Humm, Brec Alward, and Brandon Huff made for some great football. 

The next couple games, however, were challenging and not easy. Their schedule was tough and the Panthers fell to both Carrollton and Saginaw Swan Valley. Despite their two losses, the Panthers finished the regular season with a 7-2 record before heading into playoffs. 

Once in playoffs, the Panthers were positioned to play at home against Flint Powers Catholic. Both teams were worthy of their playoff slots and battled it out on the field into overtime. The Panthers came out on top with a walk off touchdown run from Brec Alward. 

Next up, the Panthers would travel to Escanaba to take on the Eskymos. This would be a repeat face-off as the two teams played each other last year at District Finals. The first half was a close contest – each teams’ offense going back and forth in scoring.  However, as the first half came to a close, the Eskymos gained ground and were up 21-14.  This would prove to be the last time the Panthers would see the end zone.  The Eskymos continued their push and rolled passed Alma winning 42-12, thus ending the season for the Panthers.

What’s next, you ask?  Good news Panther fans, juniors Brec Alward and Drew Humm  will be back for another season, their final season.  These players, along with their teammates, gave incredible performances this past season and we should expect to see this continue next year. 

We were able to catch up with the Panther’s Athletic Director, Eric Huff, on how the season went and what’s next for the Panthers:

Q: How do you feel the playoffs went?

A: I believe the team gave their best effort and did everything they could do to win. They have great confidence in each other and will do anything for each other. They believe in themselves, sadly, it didn't end the way they wanted it to end.

Q: From start to finish, how has the team changed?

A: The team had more confidence in the coaching and themselves. Each game you could see the players trust the coaching more and believing in the system and themselves.

Q: Did you see the Panthers doing this well this year in football?

A: I did see this. I believe in every team at Alma and that each one has the ability to win it all.

Q: Who do you believe were the impact players this season and why?

A: If I have to single players out, I would say Drew Humm and Brec Alward were key. The energy these two players created was phenomenal. They created an offense where none could be found at times. 

Q: What do you see that could have been improved upon during the season?

A: I believe the consistency of the play during the games. Near the end of the season, you could tell that the team was just not playing like they were in the beginning.  They seemed to have lost some focus and in the end, it cost them a few games.

Q: How has this current team performed compared to prior successful seasons?

A: All of us thought they performed in-line with past seasons. We always strive for our athletes and school to be at and do their best.  We want them to always push forward and do what is needed to find their success both on and off the field.

Q: Who do you think is/are the player(s) to watch moving into next season?

A: With out a doubt, Drew Humm and Brec Alward. Both will be returning as seniors and everyone is excited to see what next year will bring for these two players. Each is hard working and talented.  It will be exciting to watch them and the team.

Q: Would you consider this season a success?

A: I would, every season is a success no matter what the outcome is. You learn from both positive and negative experiences.  It’s not about the record success, it’s about learning from the experiences and moving forward together.