By Jake FoxOctober 4, 2012
Pittsville– There are very few things in sports like a good rivalry. Whether it be at the pro level with Packers/Bears or the prep level with Rapids/SPASH, these games are always intense even if the talent level on the two squads isn’t always balanced. The Marawood Conference has a couple good ones as well. One of these rivalry games will be on display on Friday night when the Auburndale Apaches (4-1) travel to Pittsville to take on the Panthers (3-2). The game marks the last regular season home game for the Panther seniors and potentially the last home game period depending on playoff assignments. Auburndale has a tough road ahead of them with a game against Stratford in the regular season finale next week.
Auburndale boasts the second ranked passer in the Marawood in Blake Anderson who has thrown for 11 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Anderson’s main targets are Austin Hawkins, Issac Castellano and Canyon Weiler. Hawkins has the conference lead in touchdown receptions with seven on the season.
Defensively it has been a struggle for the Apaches in terms of points allowed, but the Apaches will not have to worry about the conference leader in rushing in this contest. Panther tailback Eric Hahn will be out with an injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season. With the key injury, the Panthers will lean more on the arm (and legs) of quarterback David Sojka. Kyle Kolar, Nathan Dupee and Sawyer Ladick all remain Sojka’s main receiving threats. It remains to be seen what the Panthers will do on the ground with Hahn out. However, if the Panthers want to make any kind of run at the playoffs (or go far if they get there), somebody will need to step up in Hahn’s place.
Will Auburndale continue their surprise run at the top of the conference? Will the Panther seniors (minus Hahn) lead their team to a big win in what could be their final home game? Come down to Pittsville Friday night to find out the answer or get caught up on CentralWisconsinSports.net.
