Jackson beats down Linden-McKinley in the first round
By: Geoffrey Precht
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOUB) — In the opening round of playoffs, two high-powered teams faced off in a much-anticipated matchup. The Linden-McKinley Panthers (9-2) hosted the Jackson Ironman (8-3) in a game between two highly touted teams. After coming off a win against Chillicothe, the Ironman have been steamrolling, winning their last four straight coming into their matchup against Linden-McKinley. On the other hand, after a senior night loss to East to spoil their perfect regular season, the Panthers came into this game slowed down after getting off to a powerful 9-0 start to their season.
After starting with the ball, Panthers quarterback Daveli Brock ended up throwing an interception to sophomore wide receiver Kale Taylor. The Ironmen would use the advantageous field position given to them accordingly. On fourth and six, junior quarterback Landon Rapp would complete a 29-yard touchdown pass to his sophomore tight end Jake Gallagher, putting the Ironmen up 7-0 early. After a Panthers punt, Jackson would fumble the ball on the following possession, but Lindon-McKinley would finish the drive empty-handed with another punt.
After the start of the second quarter, Jackson running back Tate Rossler would end up scoring a 28-yard touchdown run, making it 14-0 Ironmen. However, a big return by Cornelius Ulmer would net the Panthers good field position on their upcoming drive. They would take advantage of the long return, as Brock would find wide receiver Xavion Grant for a Panthers score, making it 14-6. On the Ironmen’s next drive, however, the Panthers’ defensive back Jeremy Head would take an interception 75 yards to the house. This, along with a successful two-point conversion, would result in a tie game at the half.
Coming out of the half, Jackson would end up scoring on their opening drive. This would be a result of a rushing touchdown by running back Nash Rossler, making it 21-14. From there, it was a battle of the defenses. Before the next score, there would be three combined turnovers. The turnover battle would be ended via a one-yard rushing touchdown by Tate Rossler deep into the fourth quarter. After a long drive by the Panthers, a pass by Brock was juggled in the endzone before ultimately being intercepted by Christian Gilliam with less than a minute remaining, putting a dagger into the coffin of the Panthers season.