Panthers gear up for Keokuk

KEOKUK - Two 4-1 football teams will meet up at Calvert Stadium on Friday night for one of the most anticipated Keokuk-Mt. Pleasant games in recent memory.

On one side of the field will be the visting Panthers, who will be looking for their fourth win in as many games. On the other side is the hosting Chiefs, who lost their first game last weekend after their first 4-0 start since 2011.

The Panthers just keep scoring. Mt. Pleasant's offense ranks fourth in Class 3A scoring and sixth in total yards. The Panthers have scored 35 points or more in their four wins, and even put up 20 in the loss to Pella.

Last week against Fairfield, quarterback Brody Bender threw for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Rylan Seberg had 174 of those yards and three scores. Jack Johnson ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

The Mt. Pleasant defense has been stellar the last two weeks as well. The Panthers have given up an average of 10 points in the last three games, and they have forced at least three turnovers in every one of those games.

Keokuk's defense got a rude awakening in their 49-6 loss at Washington last week. After giving up just 46 points total in their first four games, the Demons put up 49 on Keokuk in their district opener.

The Chiefs are looking to avoid an 0-2 start to district play after four-straight wins in the non-district. For that to happen, they'll likely need big games out of junior quarterback Corey SKinner and senior running back Braylon Martinez.

Skinner has thrown for 714 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions this season. Two of those picks came last week. He is also second on the team in rushing, with 317 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Martinez has ran for 390 yards and two scores. Callum Tackes leads the team in rushing touchdowns, with six.

Anthony Potratz is the main threat defensively for Keokuk. He has caught seven balls for 208 yards and six scores this season.

A Panther win would set them for a huge home game with fourth-ranked Solon in the third week of district play. After their game with Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant finishes the year out with two ranked teams in their final three games.