Roos down, not out with Panthers ahead

Greg Webb
sports@weatherforddemocrat.com

WEATHERFORD October 30, 2008 06:45 pm

— Currently sitting alone at third in District 3-5A, and already having a reservation for postseason, North Crowley still has an incentive to win when it travels to Weatherford to take on the Roos, Friday. The Panthers can assure at least a third place finish in district with a win over the Roos, which could give North Crowley a more favorable bracket position in the bi-district round.
The Roos can upset North Crowley’s plans, not only playing a spoiler role of sorts, but also bettering their own chances for a playoff spot. Despite the power-house teams the Kangaroos have faced this season, and though the Panthers are behind Richland and Abilene in the standings, North Crowley holds a distinction that will challenge Weatherford’s attempt to beat them.
“[North Crowley] is athletically the most talented team in the district, from top to bottom,” Weatherford head coach Kenny Wheaton said. “[Their coaching staff] will tell you that they feel like they have more talent than the 4A State Championship team they had several years ago. They are big and fast.”
Not that facing teams that are big and fast is anything new to the Roos. They have been down that road on several occasions this year, in fact, more times than not. With few exceptions though, Weatherford has moved the ball well against their opponents. Stopping the big and fast offenses has been the Roos’ main issue. Still, Weatherford has a chance to turn things around, even at this late date, to give itself a chance at postseason play.
“We can still make the playoffs and salvage this season for our seniors,” Wheaton said, “they deserve that. Our seniors are a great bunch of kids and have provided great leadership, helping to keep things positive.”
Aside from the prospect of winning to try to slip into the playoffs, Friday holds a special meaning for the seniors, who will be playing their last regular season game in front of the home crowd ... Senior Night.
“[Many of these seniors] have been playing together since peewee ball, through the middle schools system, the ninth grade center and all that,” Wheaton said. “It’s got to be an emotional time for them. We’ll do everything we can to get them all into the game. We have 35 seniors.”
A fitting end to the excitement of home games for the seniors will be to put a kink in North Crowley’s plans to clinch third in district. Even moreso, it would add a positive kink in Weatherford’s chances to go to postseason. Kickoff at Kangaroos Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.