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Panthers claw out close win in enemy territory
By: Stephen Koroly
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ZANESVILLE, Ohio WOUB – This game had every means to be good, and it sure was. The New Lexington Panthers came into the matchup with a perfect 3-0 record. The question for the Panthers is if they can get it done against a proven team. New Lexington would succeed in defeating the West Muskingum Tornadoes 38-35.
The reigning MVL Small champion West Muskingum Tornadoes came into this game with a record of 2-1 with their only loss coming from a tight game versus Garaway who made the Division Five state championship last season.
The stage was set, and West Muskingum was set to kick off this game.
New Lexington and West Muskingum were both stopped on their first drives. Great run defense from both teams but stops would not come often in this one.
The Panthers would strike gold on their second drive as Isiah Stephen would send a ball towards star receiver Bentley Hanson. Hanson was gone from the moment it hit his hands. A blocked extra point would make it 6-0 New Lexington.
The Tornadoes would once again be stopped, and Stephen and Hanson would connect. Another passing touchdown for the Panthers, and a spectacular two-point conversion to bring the score 14-0.
The Tornadoes would have a response. Carter Winland broke away from the line of scrimmage and a long run would set himself to punch it in a couple plays later.
Both teams exchanged blows all game long. It felt like every point added to the scoreboard had more points following immediately. The offensive trio of Isiah Stephen, Bentley Hanson, and Carson Kellogg would push New Lexington over the finish line in a fascinating end.
Carson Kellogg would catch a touchdown with under two minutes to go to put the Panthers on top by three, 38-35. The Panthers would then stop the Tornadoes, winning 38-35.
This puts New Lexington in the driving seat of the MVL Small, an outstanding game that has game of the year potential.