BRADENTON — The intensity of the game has grown stronger every year. But only one team has dominated the win column. This year, though, Bradenton Christian and Out-of-Door Academy appear more evenly matched than ever before.
They both possess a strong running game. The Thunder and Panthers pass well. They make splash plays on special teams.
The teams are virtually mirror images of each other. The Panthers and Thunder have 11 wins and one loss combined.
“It will be quite a challenge for us,” BCS coach Allan Gerber said. “(ODA coach) Brett Timmons does a good job with his team. I have a different football team than I did last year, and that’s exciting to be a part of. We match up very well, and it’s going to be a physical football game.”
That they are Class 1B-District 6 foes only ups the ante when they meet at 7 p.m. today at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota.
Moreover, today’s outcome will determine who’ll be in the driver’s seat toward a district title since the teams are tied for the top spot in the district.
The Thunder appeared in the playoffs last season as district runner-up.
Up to this point, this is the most important game of the season for the Panthers and Thunder.
“I think experience is our best teacher,” Timmons said. “We have to take it for what it is. It’s a game. The only things we can control is the things that we can do, and not any other outside variables.”
It’s the Thunder’s homecoming.
“It makes you want to come out to practice and work even harder,” ODA senior running back A.J. Strong said. “You want to beat the team. You know you are both good, and you know you want to talk about it around town with your friends, and that’s what it’s been the past four years.”
The Thunder (4-1, 2-0) have been on the good side of the talk, though. ODA has never lost to BCS.
The winning streak is at four games.
Last year, ODA defeated the Panthers 41-6. This year, the Thunder’s offense is rolling again, averaging 27 points a game.
BCS, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of the 2008 squad. The Panthers returned 21 of 22 starters and are unbeaten at 7-0 and 2-0 in district play. The veteran leadership has done wonders for BCS. The Panthers defense has allowed 3.8 points a game, and the offense is scoring in bunches, averaging 32 points per contest.
“In years past, this game didn’t mean too much, and we got into district play last year and didn’t do too well,” BCS senior linebacker/tight end Josh Thomas said. “This year, it’s huge, and people are ready to go. I can’t wait for them to finally put us to the test and see what we can do.”
Email Story
Printer Friendly 
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@