by Elyria, OH-
1st Quarter
The Rockets opened the game on offense and quickly punted it away as the Panther defense came out strong. On the first possession for the Panthers, Levi Ellis continued running over defenses as he rumbled 53 yards to put the Panthers into striking distance. A couple of plays later senior quarterback Brady Cook found Tony Grasso on a 15-yard connection for a Panther touchdown to cap off a 3 play 73-yard drive with a little over nine minutes to go in the quarter.
The defenses stood tall until late into the quarter. The Rockets managed to get into the red zone after Junior running back Mac Weingert rushed 35 yards to put the Rockets into striking distance as the first quarter came to a close.
2nd Quarter
The Rockets scored a touchdown when Weingart found pay dirt on a one-yard rush to cap off a six play 56-yard drive with 9:38 left in the half to tie the game at seven.
The ensuing Panther possession looked promising, but some confusion resulted in a delay of game penalty and caused the Panthers to turn the ball over on downs. Ellis continued his dominance as he rushed two yards for a touchdown with 2:21 left in the half. After the Panthers defense forced a Rocket punt, Cook found senior Thomas Niederst for a 15-yard touchdown connection giving the Panthers a two-score advantage heading into the break.
3rd quarter
To start the second half the Panther offense continued their dominance as Ellis crossed the goal line from two yards away. After another Rocket punt, junior quarterback Hector Garcia entered the game. He automatically connected with Niederst for 39 yards for his second touchdown of the game to put the Panthers up 35-7. On the next Rocket possession, Levi Ellis blocked a punt and Niederst it took to the house from 15 yards out to continue the onslaught 41-7 with 2:31 left in the third.
4th Quarter
Entering the last 12 minutes, both teams turned to the bench as both starting quarterback nights ended. Sophomore Brady Engle entered for the Panthers and Sophomore Michael Ferrell for the Rockets. The rockets sophomore running back Danny Barker rushed 25 yards for the last score of the game with 3:07 left. This drive lasted 6 plays for 67 yards. The Panthers ran away victorious behind Levi Ellis and Thomas Niederst along their strong defense 41-14.
Next up for the Panthers is a rematch vs Holy Name at home for the conference title and the Rockets face Normandy.
Well done Lads!!!