MERRYVILLE—For the first time in eight seasons, the Merryville Panthers (5-5, 1-4 4-1A) are in the playoffs and they are very excited to be there.

The last time the Panthers were in the playoffs, their seniors were fourth graders.

Now, in 2009, at No. 30, they go on the road to play No. 3 Oak Grove at 7 p.m. Friday
The Panthers are coming off of a 43-7 home loss last week against the 4-1A District champion Oberlin Tigers.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, the Panthers are not satisfied just to be there.

Their goal is to win.

“I think we’ve got great expectations,” Panthers head coach Mark Delaney said. “The bottom line is we’ve been given a chance to make the post season.”

Delaney said the Panthers intend to make the most of that chance.

Linebacker/wide receiver Caleb Branch, who has been out for four weeks, is probable for Friday’s game.

“If I get paperwork on him today, he’ll be able to go [in practice] today if not tomorrow,” Delaney said.

The Panthers were 4-2 with Branch and 1-3 without Branch.

“It’s (Branch return) big,” Delaney said.

Delaney talked about the ways the Panthers need to continue to play well.

“The good thing is we definitely want to continue sustaining our blocks, executing our offense,” Delaney said, adding the Panthers intend to progress each game in this area.

“Right now everything should be functioning in full force.”

Delaney said the Panthers cannot have messed up plays, bobbled snaps and quarterback fumbles.

The Panthers were excited to make the playoffs, but then they became focused on the upcoming game Friday.

“Nobody’s satisfied with where we’re at,” Delaney said.

The Panthers have excelled in running the football with tailback Daven Hardwick and fullback Cory Carlson.

The sun has come down earlier recently, but practice has not been impacted.

“Nighttime won’t have any effect on us practicing,” Delaney said, adding the Panthers watch some film at night.

Making the playoffs was a milestone for the Panthers, but Delaney said he hopes to build on the team accomplishments.

“Hopefully it’s the start of something great,” Delaney said.

He said the goal is always to win the district at the start of the season, then make the playoffs and then win a state championship.

Delaney said the Panthers still have an opportunity to reach their playoff goals.

Delaney said some members of the community have shown great support. He added he received some calls congratulating him for the Panthers making the playoffs.

Since football is the first sport of the school year, Delaney said the Panthers success could carry over to baseball and track.

“Everybody in this school plays all the sports,” Delaney said, adding winning leads to winning.