To see Austin Sikorski push through a seven- or eight-man front and break free for a 20- or 30-yard run in spite of the defense focusing completely on stopping him is a study in determination.

On Wednesday, with a cast and support covering the entire bottom half of his left leg and with crutches holding him up, the leading rusher for Stevens Point Area Senior High still is holding out for a chance to dazzle fans once more before his high school career ends.

Last week, the crushing news surfaced that the senior running back had broke a bone in his left foot and he likely would lose the rest of his season after undergoing surgery on Friday. But that procedure, which included putting a supportive screw into the foot, may be the key to a quick recovery.

Sikorski, who has played through injuries for weeks even before suffering the break against Oshkosh West in SPASH's WIAA Level 1 playoff game, said there is a small chance that he may put his number 28 jersey on once again should the Panthers go far enough.

"We have a great team with me and a great team without me," Sikorski said. "I think they'll succeed, it's not going to change anything, none of the goals have changed. Who knows, we win two games, I could come back," Sikorski said.

STEVENS POINT -- There wasn't much for Tyler Studinski to complain about Saturday night.

But looking at the scoreboard at Community Stadium and seeing an eight on the visitors side stuck in the craw of the Stevens Point Area Senior High defensive tackle a little bit.

That was about the only negative in an otherwise rock solid performance as SPASH remained alive with a convincing 28-8 win over Hudson in a Level 2 matchup.

Next up for the unbeaten Panthers (11-0) is a date at Appleton North (11-0) on Friday or Saturday at a time to be determined.
"I don't like there wasn't a zero up there against a team we feel like we dominated," said Studinski.

"It feels good to win. We're moving on to Level 3, baby."
On Halloween night, the Panthers showed off some special treats.
Without the presence of Austin Sikorski, who recently had surgery for a broken foot, Joey Mathe showed he more than an adequate replacement.

Here is a capsule look at the area Level 2 football games scheduled for Saturday. The cost of admission is $4.

Division 1

•Who: Hudson at SPASH, 6 p.m.

•Records: SPASH 10-0; Hudson 9-1

•Playoffs: SPASH def. Oshkosh West 52-27 in opening round; Hudson def. Wisconsin Rapids 21-6

•About the Panthers: The Panthers rolled up 363 yards on the ground in rolling past West on Tuesday. Senior running back Austin Sikorski, who has gained more than 1,400 yards, including 177 on 19 carries against West with four touchdowns, will miss the remainder of the playoffs after having surgery on a broken foot Wednesday.
"Obviously, the team feels real bad for Austin more than anything," SPASH coach Pete McAdams said. "I think our guys are mature enough that the kids understand we have a lot of guys and good athletes who now need to take on some added responsibilities, and do a little more to make up for the loss of Austin."
That means the running game will fall on Joey Mathe -- 76 yards on 13 attempts against West -- and bruising fullback Jake Tatro. SPASH will also need to see more production out of quarterback Alex Plaster on the ground and through the air.

•About the Raiders: Hudson is hoping the third time is the charm. This marks the third straight year SPASH and the Raiders have met in the WIAA playoffs, with the Panthers prevailing each of the last two seasons. Hudson's lone loss came at the hands of Superior 14-7 in Week 3. The Raiders' have not surrendered more than 14 points in any game this season. Quarterback Beau Hommes, who rushed for a pair of touchdowns, and halfback Andy Edholm (132 yards in Level 1) lead a two-headed ground attack. Hudson owns a pair of victories over Wisconsin Rapids (21-7 and 21-6).