Brandon Williams and Chaz Bellman were just freshman three years ago. That was when NorthWood made their magical run from 3-6 in the regular season to a state title.
Now, the Panthers are 11-2 and playing for a semi-state title this Friday. The opponent: the 12-1 Bellmont Braves at Worthman Field where the Braves haven't lost all season.
But the memories of the 2005 game provide motivation for this year's NorthWood squad to make their own memories.
"We're doing it for ourselves this time," Williams said. "We're not just riding the tailcoats of the seniors [in 2005]."
While both Williams and Bellman dressed for the game -- and saw fellow freshmen Skylar Titus and Austin Fink get playing time on the Dome floor -- the experience wasn't enough for them.
"Every moment that you watched that game, you wanted to be out there," Bellman said. "You felt great for all the kids that were out there, and how well they played... but you wanted to be out there every second."
That motivation, along with staying mindful of the bumps and bruises of the past three years, should serve the team well facing the Braves on Friday.
"They kind of remember how hard and how difficult it was to get there [in 2005]," Panthers' head coach Rich Dodson said. "It's nice to dream about making the state finals, but the reality is we have to play a very fine Bellmont team."
Kickoff for the Panthers and Braves is set for 7:30 at Bellmont High School.
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