David Cook
Sports Scene
If your looking for entertainment on a Friday evening, taking in a DeWitt football game would be a good option.
Not only is DeWitt off to a fast start this season with a 5-0 record, but the Panthers are doing it in exciting fashion with an offense that is averaging an unbelievable 59.6 points per game. Not only are the Panthers scoring points in bunches, but they are doing it against some of the top competition around. Among the teams DeWitt has defeated this year are Hurricane, West Virginia, one of the premier teams in West Virginia, East Lansing, ranked eighth in the state in Division 2 and Mason, ranked seventh in the state in Division 3 as well as a solid Haslett team.
“We’re vey happy at where we are at right now,” said DeWitt coach Rob Zimmerman. “We are 5-0 and doing it against very, very good competition.”
One of the games that sticks out the most was the 70-63 win against Hurricane, West Virginia in week three. DeWitt quarterback Elliott Larner turned in a record-setting effort in that game as he ran the ball 20 times for 279 net yard and five touchdowns. Larner’s 279 yards broke Mike Cowdrey’s long-standing record of 275 set in 1989. Larner’s five touchdownss in a game tied the record for touchdowns in a game with Trav Moore from last year. The Panthers also set a new record of 70 points in a game, breaking the record set in game one against Haslett. DeWitt sophomore kicker Vincent Rose also set a new record as he was 10-of-10 on extra points to set the Panther record for consecutive extra points in a game.
“That was just an unbelievable game,” Zimmerman said. “It was the most points I ever seen scored in a high school game. The West Virginia team has a great quarterback and running back and is probably the best team we will play this season.”
Panther quarterback Elliott Larner is turned in a huge season both passing and running the football. Larner has passed for 931 yards and 16 touchdowns and has run for 929 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.
At receiver, Abram Larner has hauled in 20 passes for 554 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior running back Trav Moore is turning in a big season with 554 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns and has caught nine passes for 122 yards and four touchdowns.
Paving the way for the DeWitt offense is a solid offensive line anchored by juniors Luke Nolen (5-8, 235) at guard and Drew Rumsey (6-2, 265) at tackle.
“Our offensive line is doing a nice job as a unit,” Zimmerman said.
On defense, the Panthers are young and improving. The Panthers have nine underclassmen starting on defense.
“Defensively, I do think we can be a lot better,” Zimmerman said. “We are not where we want to be yet. In our game against East Lansing we did close out the game well.”
Junior linebacker Cooper Chambers leads the defense with 36 tackles while junior Max Holtz has 31 tackles. Senior Charlie Winsor has 26 tackles followed by junior Jacob Schorfhaar with 24 and junior Jadon Bender with 23 tackles.
“Our goal is to get better every week,” Zimmerman said. “Each week we need to continue to improve and we need to execute at the highest level once the playoffs begin. I’ve had a great time coaching this team. This is a great group with tremendous character. I will be exciting to see the rest of the season play out and I like the potential of this team.”
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