The Big Walnut football team just hit a major snag right before their Division II, Region 7 semifinal against Massillon Washington on November 13. Senior quarterback Eli Stumpf, a Michigan State commit, suffered an upper-body injury during their 37-7 win over Louisville on November 6, and his status for the massive playoff game is totally up in the air. Coach Curtis Crager kept it real, saying on November 9, “We don’t know yet. We’re not 100% sure. We should know something here soon. He’s in the training room now. We’ll see what the trainer says later today.” Talk about a gut punch when you’re gearing up for a huge game.
The Big Question Mark Under Center
This isn’t just any player missing practice; it’s their starting QB, a guy who puts up insane numbers. Stumpf passed for 256 yards and two touchdowns against Louisville, even rushing for 55 yards, before leaving the game after three quarters. For the season, he’s completed 146 of 201 passes for 2,165 yards and 27 touchdowns with just one interception! Plus, he’s a legit threat on the ground, rushing for 456 yards and five scores on 82 carries. The dude is their engine, and the thought of him not being out there against a tough Massillon squad is a serious concern. The team was practicing for the Tigers on November 9, with Stumpf stuck in the training room, getting treatment. You just know everyone’s holding their breath, waiting for an update.
Next Man Up: Bowers Ready?
If Stumpf can’t go, senior tight end Jackson Bowers is the guy. He stepped in against Louisville, rushing for 48 yards and even punching in a fourth-quarter touchdown. Here’s the kicker though: Bowers has only attempted four passes all season. Four! He’s a beast as a receiver, pulling in 32 catches for 476 yards and five scores, making him the team’s second-leading receiver. But going from receiver to starting QB in a playoff semifinal? That’s a whole different ballgame. Crager, always backing his guys, said, “We have full confidence in our backup and if he has to go then our kids will rally around him and do a great job for him.” You gotta love that confidence, but the pressure will be immense.
Rivalry Rematch with Everything on the Line
This isn’t just any playoff game; it’s Big Walnut (11-0) against Massillon (10-1), a rivalry with some serious history. These two teams have clashed in four of the past five postseasons, splitting those matchups two wins apiece. Big Walnut has actually won the last two Region 7 finals against Massillon. So, this isn’t just about advancing; it’s about bragging rights, continuing dominance, and taking down a familiar foe. The winner of this November 13 showdown doesn’t get a break either; they’ll face either top-seeded Watterson (10-0) or fourth-seeded New Albany (9-2) in the Region 7 final on November 20 at a neutral site. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and with Stumpf’s status uncertain, this game just got a whole lot wilder. All eyes will be on that sideline on Friday to see who takes the field under center.
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