Admittedly, the Centralia Panthers didn’t make it into the top five of the Kpreps.com preseason rankings.
Sure, the Panthers were the defending Class 2-1A state champions. However, they graduated Shrine Bowl quarterback Michael Glatczak, as well as their entire offensive line. Centralia returned only two starters on offense and four on defense. Another state title run seemed unlikely.
“It was a work in progress,” Centralia coach Larry Glatczak said. “We lost our entire offensive line. That was one of our biggest concerns, losing all five of those guys. We had some kids in there, but they hadn’t worked together before.”
But look at them now. The Panthers opened the season with impressive wins over 3A schools, St. Marys and Riley County, and are 10-0 heading into Friday’s quarterfinal game at Olpe.
“I’m really impressed with how they’ve come together,”Glatczak said.
The Panthers, who are on a 19-game winning streak overall, have rolled through their first 10 games. The offense has scored no fewer than 28 points in a game and has scored at least 42 in the past eight. The defense has pitched four shutouts and has allowed no more than one touchdown in the past nine games. St. Mary’s 16 points in Week 1 is the most the Panthers have allowed all season.
And, yes, the Panthers are now ranked. They have been at No. 4 through most of the season in a competitive Class 2-1A that includes undefeated LaCrosse and Lyndon, as well as perennial powerhouse Meade.
Glatczak said he could see his team’s confidence grow after the early wins over St. Marys and Riley County.
“I think for the whole team it started escalating,” he said. “Kids started coming together and playing better together. We had so many new kids. We replaced nine on offense and those two kids who came back are in different spots.”
“When you rebuild that much, you don’t know what to expect. But these kids have been around.”
J.T. Rosine took over quarterback duties for All-Stater Michael Glatzcak. No easy task, but Rosine has more than stepped up to the challenge by rushing for close to 1,500 yards this year. Sam Steinlage has transitioned from end to running back.
Rosine and Steinlage each had three touchdown runs during Friday’s 46-7 win over Jefferson Co. North.
Glatczak said his players’ knowledge of what the team wants to do helps tremendously.
“Game by game, kids are picking it up,” he said. “We got the program all the way through seventh grade running our offense and defense. It makes for an easy transition for these kids, because they are running the same stuff. It pays off.”
Now, the Panthers look to get past Olpe and into the state semifinals.
“They’re coached extremely well,” Glatczak said. “They play good defense. They will be a physical team.”
Centralia hopes to get past Olpe and get one step closer to their goal of getting to the state championship game – something the Panthers strive for every year.
Even during what some people called a rebuilding year.
“That’s our goal every year,” Glatczak said. “We want to play on Thanksgiving weekend every year. It’s not a shock to us that we’re trying to make a run to get there. We don’t always make it. But the kids shoot for that Thanksgiving weekend every year.”
Use your Facebook account to add a comment or start a discussion. Posts are subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment.
