Team Spotlight: Alma Panthers

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BACKGROUND

Historically, the Alma Panthers have been defined by their ability to almost take the next step. They made the play-offs for 5 consecutive years between 1997 and 2001, and lost their first-round play-off game each time. In 2006, the story was the same; a successful regular season, but a let-down to a tough team in the first round.

Last January, Indiana-bound Adam Follet - a quarterback from Caledonia High School - transferred to Alma. Most teams talk about improving during the off-season, but the Panthers took it to a new level - how many teams add a future Big 10 quarterback to their roster in January?

So far, his transfer has looked like an intelligent decision. Alma is 3-0 with victories over Big Rapids, Bullock Creek, and Shephard. They are going into week 4 ranked #4 in class B Titan 25, and looking forward to taking the next step to play-off victory and beyond.

UPCOMING

Alma will host the Hemlock Huskies on Friday night. Last year, Hemlock escaped with a slim 23-22 victory over the Panthers. This year, the Huskies have been struggling, but will no doubt come to play against the Tri-Valley Central favorites.

THE X-FACTORS

Quarterback Adam Follett has provided both senior leadership and on-field performance for the Panthers. In week 2 against Bullock Creek, he completed 11 of 18 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns.

Follet's favorite target is returning 1st Team All-Conference receiever Jake Blake. All rhyming aside, Blake has been huge for the Panthers. His week 1 performance that included 5 catches, 107 yards, and two touchdowns against Big Rapids earned him a Game Ball award from the Saginaw News.

Alma can do more than pass, though; Fullback Kraig Williams is a testment to that. Against Bullock Creek in week 2, he racked up 164 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 7 carries - and all in the first half! The three-year starter also plays nose guard, where he is one of the most athletic and vicious players on the defense.

OUTLOOK

I anticipate that Alma will complete their first undefeated regular season in school history, and finally navigate their way past the first round of the play-offs. Despite division 4 being absolutely loaded, they may even have a chance to find themselves playing in Ford Field come November.