The Reedsville Panthers travel to Elkhorn High School Friday night to meet The Co-op of Black Hawk/Warren in a WIAA Division Seven Semifinal Football Game.
The 12 and 0 Panthers defeated Randolph 20 to 0 last Friday night while the 11 and 1 Warriors advanced with a 36 to 0 shoutout of Potosi/Cassville.
Reedsville Head Coach Sam Shafer says his team has steadily improved throughout the year.
“We had a little bit of a slow start to the year, still figuring out pieces to the puzzle and where to play some guys to be as successful as possible.
It just kind of molded into something special as soon as conference play began. We gained a lot of confidence that has carried us through the regular season and the playoffs.”
Both teams rely heavily on the running game with quarterback Parker Maney leading the Panthers.
He’s rushed for over 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, while the Warriors Lane Marty has rushed for over 1,400 yards and Owen Seffrood has over 1,200 rushing yards for the season.
Shafer says they (Marty and Seffrood) are a load.
” They’re big tough dudes and extremely talented at what they do. We’ve seen some similar teams loading up the backfield and running down your throat.
I’d to think that our kids are experienced enough to know what do, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be any easier to stop it.”
Speaking of experience, Reedsville has several players who were a part of the 2021 state championship team, led by seniors Maney, Cam Dvorachek and Adler Strenn.
Seehafer News asked Shafer if that means anything heading into Friday night’s game.
“Those kids were blessed enough to be a part of that experience, so obviously they know what it takes to go that extra mile and do what’s necessary to win.”
So with that said, we asked the Panthers Head Coach what will it take for the Panthers to play for a second state title in three years?
”It’s going to come down to who wants it a little more and who’s more consistent and physical. That’s who’s going to come out on top.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
