Pana Proves It Can Play Physical

PANA — Pittsfield got a great look at what Pana football is all about a week ago.
It’s unlikely Pittsfield would describe it as explosive or thrilling. But there’s no doubt they would label it effective.
The Panthers didn’t waver from its defense-first style of play that allows the offense to settle into games. In fact, with the game far from over, Pana used a punishing 20-play drive to melt nine minutes off the clock and seal its first-round 12-8 upset against the eight-win host.
“When you keep the ball that long, the other team’s offense can’t hurt you,” Pana (7-3) coach Al Stupek said.
Considering his defense has thrived all season behind five roaming linebackers, it’s a surprise he doesn’t want his defense on the field more. Stupek, in his second year at Pana, employs the 3-5 defense because he’s got great linebackers. The reasons they’re great are simple — they like to tackle and they work hard.
“It’s not a surprise to us that we’re playing good defense,” Stupek said. “Our linebackers are versatile, quick and they make plays. We have a whole bunch of guys who like to tackle people.”
Making life easier on the backers is nose tackle Alan Handy. Handy is 6-5, 320 pounds and demands double teams, which allows Stupek to bring blitzing linebackers from different places all game.
“It’s old,” Handy said about facing double teams. “But that’s the goal every game so a backer can come through free.”
Senior linebacker Jake Wicks has been one of those backers running free. He’s totaled 114 tackles, third-most in the area, while the unit is one of the area’s best. Pana hasn’t allowed any team to score more than 24 points and has allowed only 9.3 points a game.
“We have to try and get a helmet on all their defenders in every play and that’s a tall order,” Anna-Jonesboro (7-3) coach Brett Detering said.
Stupek likes that his aggressive, hard-hitting defense is complemented by a similar offense. While the group hasn’t put up incredible numbers (only averaging 21.1 points a game), it’s been able to win games just like last weekend.
“We are lining up and trying to run at people,” Stupek said. “If it doesn’t work then we’ll keep trying. But if we can control the clock by chewing up time and yardage, we’re going to do it.”
Anna-Jonesboro likes to run the ball, too, but it’s out of an option attack. Detering is hopeful that Pana’s too aggressive and that will allow his quarterback to make the correct read and pitch, which will create positive gains.
“Some times teams are still aggressive and disciplined, but there are breakdowns and we need to take advantage of those,” Detering said.
Handy compared the Wildcats run game to a Vandalia team that Pana beat 22-14. The Vandals rushed for 154 yards on 55 carries in the loss.
“They’re a good team, but we’re not too worried,” Handy said about Anna-Jonesboro. “If we play like we can, we should beat them.”
The smash-mouth football offensively and defensively has helped Pana to its most wins in 11 years and at 2 p.m. today the Panthers host Anna-Jonesboro. All three of Pana’s losses — Carlinville, Greenville and Hillsboro — came at home.
lbridges@herald-review.com|421-6970

Published in the Herald & Review in November 2009.