Panthers Set Sights on Playoff Push for 2023
After being just one of a handful of teams with six wins to miss the state playoffs in 2022 the Stockbridge football team has some extra motivation and has set high goals for the upcoming season.
In years past, six wins were enough for teams to qualify for the state playoffs, but last season the MHSAA implemented a new playoff format where teams qualified by playoff points, and despite a 6-3 record, they came up short of qualifying for the post-season tournament.
The Panthers have a new look schedule with the GLAC folding after last season.
Stockbridge will play this season as an independent and will not play for a league title, but that does not mean the Panthers do not have a lot to play for and the state playoffs is that number one goal.
There are some familiar names on the 2023 schedule for the Panthers with arch-rival Leslie slated for the second game of the season. Along with Leslie, longtime rival Perry remains on the schedule for this season, as well as local rival Dansville.
The Panthers will travel to Springport for a rematch of last year’s season opener against the Spartans in their opening game.
Some new names to the schedule are teams that may not have been played recently but are known to fans around the area. Former ICL rival Bath has joined the schedule as well as Manchester and Whitmore Lake.
Two teams that are new to the Panthers are CMAC member Saranac and Stockbridge will take on Hart in a match at Olivet College in the fourth game of the season.
Head Coach Jeremy Killinger enters his 22nd season at the helm for the Panthers and has an experienced team heading into 2023.
The Panthers return eight starters to the offense and seven to the defense. Five of those players are two-way starters on both sides of the ball.
Stockbridge should be high-flying on the offensive side of the ball with senior quarterback Jalen Rogozinski tossing the ball to senior wideouts Joey Ballagh and Brock Rochow, along with tight end Zach Fletcher. The Panthers are also loaded in the backfield with seniors Drew Robinson and Gary Killinger and junior Zach Rogozinski giving the Panthers a vaunted rushing attack.
Junior Foster Pybus will be the anchor of the offensive front along with seniors Cameron Loveall and Travis Salyer.
The defense will be a fast, no fly-unit in the backfield with three Panthers chasing the career interception mark this season with Robinson and Rochow leading the d-backs.
The linebacking core is solid with Gary Killing shooting for another 100 tackle season. He will be paired with Pybus, Z. Rogozinski, and Fletcher.
Salyer will be the mainstay on the defensive front for the Panthers.
“The guys have worked very hard this offseason to be prepared to make their mark on the program,” Killinger said. “Finishing 6-3 and not making the playoffs last year was some extra motivation to be better and ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
As in the past, the Panthers are not a real deep squad and rely on two-way players to lead them on both sides of the ball.
In what should be an exciting season for Stockbridge, one of the main keys will be for the Panthers to stay healthy with the lack of depth on the field. If they keep the players on the field and not on the sideline in street clothes, the Panthers should make a push for the state playoffs this season.
2023 SCHEDULE
Friday August 25 – @ Springport
Thursday, August 31- @ Leslie
Friday, September 8 – Manchester
Friday, September 15 – Hart @ Olivet College
Friday, September 22 – @ Bath
Friday, September 29 – Saranac
Friday, October 6 – @ Perry
Friday, October 13 – Whitmore Lake (Homecoming)
Friday, October 20 – Dansville
