One Last Ride
After a year of what ifs and a long bye-week of contemplation, the Panthers journeyed back to NKC for their first playoff game: the venue that just one year ago was the scene of the heartbreaking loss that prematurely ended our post-season ambitions.
“It left a bitter taste in pretty much everyone’s mouth. It’s already the playoffs but we have a lot of extra motivation,” said senior linebacker, Cameron Gillespe.
Even in the frigid conditions, Panther supporters came in droves for the tumultuous grudge match. Every upperclassman remembers the sting of that loss, and emotions were high from the first whistle to the last.
The Hornet defense was able to slow down the passing game the Panthers have had so much success with this season holding senior quarterback, Matt Suchanick, to 169 passing yards for 15 completions on 33 attempts: however he lead the team in rushing with his ability to extend plays scurrying for 117 rushing yards and a touchdown.
South’s rushing tandem of senior running backs Laron Mitchell and Joe Inzenga combined for three touchdowns in a gritty performance, but cost the team in turnovers, both fumbling once respectively.
Down by eight with time winding down in the fourth, South put together a game-tying touchdown drive. Due to a missed extra-point earlier in the game, the Panthers had to dial up number nine, junior Gaige Warren, to try to force overtime with a toe-tapping two point conversion.
In the final moments of the fourth quarter, the Hornets began to march down the field in what surely seemed to be the nail on the coffin for the panthers. NKC completed a pass that seemed destined to find the endzone, dragging defenders as he went with the hearts of the panther faithful following suit. But just before the receiver crossed the plane, junior Josh Lowe came flying in and made a perfect play on the ball, launching it up in the air where it seemed to float for an eternity. With the season on the line, Senior linebacker Cameron Gillespie made a miraculous catch coming down with the ball just before time expired, forcing overtime.
Despite the late heroics, the Panthers ultimately came up short in the overtime thriller losing 35-41. Though the realization that their season was over was a tough pill to swallow, the implications of the game were far more than a loss. For seniors, there was no try again next year. Teammates embraced knowing this was the end; the culmination of four years of hardwork and dedication. They left everything out on the field.
Even the most reserved players broke down, saying teary-eyed farewells to their teammates one last time: reflecting on the journey and the bond they formed with their brothers over the last four years before being forced to take the next step into adulthood.
Obviously every team has a desire to win–but that doesn’t mean that record is the only measure of success. Statistically, South made tremendous strides as a program this season. The Panther squad of yesteryear finished with a dismal 2-8 record and little hope for improvement, but after a head coaching change with the appointment of former defensive coordinator Alan Wilmes, the program saw new life. Quarterback Matt Suchanick lead the metro in passing yards, a departure from the run dominant offense of seasons prior. The outstanding play of Suchanick was complemented by an elite receiving core featuring young talent that will be returning next season.
But the real growth was in the culture. The outlook on panther football from players and students shifted completely from seasons past with a renewed sense of pride for the program seen throughout the building. Players were fully invested, and with the addition of Saturday practices and film sessions, more accountable as well.
Ultimately, the successes of our team won’t be viewed from the stat sheet, the halls, or the stands: but rather by the character of the men forged by the fraternity of football. Whatever path in life they take after they depart our halls, they’ll be better prepared after their time on the field.