Panthers dominate Generals 36-10 in crucial MVL showdown
By: Reagan Neal
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THORNVILLE, OHIO (WOUB) – Week 10 of MVL football brings the New Lexington Panthers (8-1) to Sheridan Generals (8-3) for a well-matched game. The Panthers were first in the MVL Small with a 5-0 conference record. The Generals second in the MVL big at 5-1. New Lexington would take home the win 36-10.
This would be a very important game for Sheridan with the playoffs just ahead. Winning the game would help them in seeding for the playoffs.
The Generals would kick off to the Panthers start the game. The Panthers began the drive at their own 35-yard line. Wasting no time, the Panthers inched to the red zone. With nine minutes left in the first quarter, New Lexington’s quarterback Isaiah Stephens threw a 14-yard pass that was completed by senior receiver Talon Schwendeman for a statement touchdown.
The Panthers decided that wasn’t enough. They decided to go for two on the first touchdown of the game. Fortunately, senior running back Carson Kellogg snatched a dime from Stephens, putting them up 8-0 to start the game.
Going into the second quarter with eight minutes left, Sheridan capitalizes on a field goal, giving them their first points on the board. Shortly after, with four minutes to go, the Generals found themselves in the goal range once again. This time with an 8-yard rush into the endzone by sophomore running back Logan Russell.
Later in the second quarter for the Panthers, Stephens threw a 65-yard pass to senior receiver Bentley Hanson for their second touchdown on the night. Again, New Lexington went for the two-point conversion, and it was successful after a wildcat play with Owen O’brien completing a pass to Bentley Hanson, Panthers in front 16-10.
Just before the end of the first half the Panthers tackled on another touchdown after an interception from O’brien. Stephens and Schwendeman teamed up again with a 7-yard pass, putting the New Lex up at halftime 22-10 after failing the two-point conversion.
The Generals couldn’t keep up with the lethal Panther offense. The Panthers continued to score, ending the game 36-10, putting their record at 9-1 and the Generals record goes to 8-4. With this loss, Sheridan’s chances at the number seed lowered and New Lexington found some hope just before playoff time.