Plant QB Banks expected back against Alonso

Posted Oct 15, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Oct 15, 2012 at 11:26 PM

Plant quarterback Aaron Banks, who suffered a separation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint Sept. 28 against Tampa Bay Tech, is expected to start Thursday’s district showdown with host Alonso.

Last Friday against Brandon, Banks dressed out but did not play. Monday, Banks took the majority of snaps in practice and said he feels little pain in the shoulder and is ready for action. Defending 8A state champion Plant is 5-1 overall in 1-0 in District 6 play. A win against Alonso would put the Panthers in command of the league with just one game left on their district schedule, against Bloomingdale. Before that, however, is Plant’s biggest non-district game of the year, a home meeting with defending 6A champion Armwood.

The Ravens are 4-2, 1-0 in the district and have won four straight since losing their first two games of the season. Their man under center is senior standout Brandon Hawkins, who, with little fanfare, has rolled up some impressive numbers this season: 60 completions on 93 attempts, 952 yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. His quarterback rating is among the best in the area at 131. Alonso has balanced that with the rushing of junior Ish Witter, who has gained 776 yards and scored six TDs.

After Plant, the Ravens have Wharton left to play on its district schedule.

Despite missing the last two games, Banks is 43 of 65 for 654 yards and 4 TDs and has thrown two interceptions. In his place, junior Colby Brown has performed well, passing for 470 yards and four TDs against one pick. Senior Wesley Bullock is the Panthers’ top ground gainer with 443 yards and four TDs on 78 carries. Three other backs have gained 100 yards or more for Plant.

Photo: Plant senior quarterback Aaron Banks was looking sharp in Monday’s practice and is expected to start Thursday night’s district game against Alonso.