Panthers win back and forth regional semifinal over West Holmes
By: Andrew Woods
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NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio (WOUB) – Although the weather was chilly in New Lexington, both West Holmes Knights (9-3) and the New Lexington Panthers (11-1) offenses both came out hot, combining for 76 points and over 800 yards of offense. Although the game remained close throughout, New Lexington’s offense eventually proved superior and powered the Panthers to a 36-30 win.
Although New Lexington started with the ball first, the Panthers were forced to punt due to some incomplete passes and a penalty. In what would become a theme, West Holmes punished the Panthers for their mistake with 67-yard touchdown from Brayden Parsons to wide receiver Reid Hoxworth.
New Lexington began to flip the momentum on the next drive. Colton Mathias rushed for a 20-yard touchdown, then the Panthers forced a turnover on downs thanks to a false start. On the very next play, quarterback Ratliff scrambled for a 75-yard touchdown to make the score 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
New Lexington forced another turnover on downs on the Knights’ next drive. However, just as the game seemed like it was in the Panthers’ hands, West Holmes took control back. The Knights recovered a Dalyus Nealy fumble, then cashed it in to tie the game. Despite strong drives from both teams, the score remained tied at 14 at halftime.
New Lexington came out hot after the halftime break. The Panthers forced a three-and-out, then drove thanks to a strong run game. The Panthers finished it off with a 16-yard receiver screen to Tanner Toth.
New Lexington tried to catch West Holmes off guard with an onside kick, but the Knights were not fooled and took possession in Panther territory. Parsons, who totaled 278 yards passing, punished New Lexington on the next play with a 48-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Coidyn Beachy. Although a failed two-point conversion left the score at 22-20 after that drive, the Knights took the lead on their next possession with a Christopher Williams touchdown.
Down 27-22 at the end of the third quarter, New Lexington’s offense got back into a groove. The Panthers made it to the red zone, then on a third-and-14, Ratliff kept the play alive, allowing New Lexington to draw a Knights facemask. A few plays later, Ratliff scored a short rushing touchdown to give the Panthers the lead once again.
Just after the Panthers took the lead, West Holmes threatened to take it back. Parsons sparked the Knights offense with a 30-yard pass to Braxton Blake, then led it on a drive to the Panthers’ six-yard line. However, New Lexington stood tall, forcing West Holmes to settle for a field goal and a 30-28 lead.
Although New Lexington still had more than six minutes left on the clock, the Panthers struck quickly on their next drive. After getting the ball at their own 41, New Lexington crossed the fifty in two plays. On the next play, Ratliff, who passed for 165 yards and rushed for 129 more, lofted a deep pass to Tyson Spicer, who caught it for a 41-yard touchdown.
Board said the Panthers’ senior class, which includes players like Ratliff and Spicer, is filled with good football players and good people.
“I think they’re better people than they are football players, and that’s saying a heck of a lot, because they’re dang good football players too.”
Despite the touchdown, New Lexington’s senior class could not celebrate a close playoff win just yet. On their next drive, West Holmes came out ready to avenge the short drive. However, the New Lexington defense forced a fourth-and-one.
On the big play, the Panthers faithful were screaming. Vuvuzelas were blaring. Eventually, the noise at Jim Rockwell Stadium became too much for the Knights, who false-started, forcing a fourth-and-six. The Knights did not convert the lengthened fourth down, allowing the Panthers to run out the clock.
After the game, Board said the crowd was key to the Panthers’ win.
“When our crowd is loud, it’s a huge advantage to have. So I hope to see the entire village wherever we’re playing next week,” Board said.
Although the destination may be unfamiliar, the Panthers and their fans will see a familiar opponent in the regional finals. In a rematch of the 2025 Region 15 finals, New Lexington will face Indian Valley for the regional title at a neutral site yet to be determined.