BENZONIA - Oct. 23, 2009 - Standish-Sterling's football did everything it could Friday night to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Panthers' muddy 6-0 victory over Benzie Central gave them hope, but as scores from other corners of the state filtered in, it quickly became apparent that their hopes were going to be denied.

"We needed some help from Gladwin and Tawas and didn't get it," said SSC coach Paul Walderzak. "We also needed one or two of about five schools to lose Friday night, but it didn't happen, either."

Benzie's defense, muddy weather and some officiating calls that didn't go the Panthers' way made for plenty of adversity for the Panthers. Offensively they managed just 188 yards while being penalized for 93.

But as he has through his SSC career, Trevor Trombley delivered the knockout punch, scoring on a 47-yard in the third quarter for the only points of the game and the bulk of his 74 yards.

"Benzie played us very well defensively," Walderzak said. "They deserve a lot of credit.

"Our defense played very well, too. A great goal line stand inside the five kept them out of the end zone on their one real scoring threat."

Trombley's 74 yards came on 16 carries, with Garrett Pierce adding 65 yards on 16 carries. Mitchell McFarland completed 2-of-10 passes for 18 yards, with Cole Walderzak making both catches.

Zach Neid had 14 tackles and an interception, Tanner Mitrzyk added 14 tackles, Alex Schmidt had 11 tackles and James Bashor had two sacks.

It was the first time in four meetings that SSC had beaten the Huskies.

"Finishing the season with five wins and a shot at the playoffs is nothing to be ashamed about," Walderzak said. "I am very proud of this group of guys and how hard they have worked and fought this season."

With a 5-4 record, the Panthers were eligible for one of about 20 "wild card" spots in all classes statewide. Those berths were allocated by playoff point totals as determined by the MHSAA's formula, parsed out to equal numbers of Class A, B, C and D teams.

Wins by the Flying G's and Braves, teams that SSC beat this year, would have enhanced the Panthers' playoff point total. And losses by some the other teams that were 4-4 entering Friday's contests would have eliminated those squads from contention.

None of that happened, leaving the Panthers on the outside looking in.

"It seems to be the story of our season," Walderzak said. "The overtime wins and losses combined with last-second field goals and spectacular catches. It shouldn't surprise us that our shot at the playoffs would come down to something this close also."