Box Score HANOVER, Ind. – The Panther football team (0-3 overall) struggled offensively as part of a non-conference battle with Olivet falling 31-28.
 
The Hanover defense deemed the game changing factor this afternoon opening the contest in a big way. After a muffed kick the Panthers recovered the opening kick-off in Olivet territory and ultimately punched it in for the 7-0 lead.
 
However, the Comets responded in the second quarter putting three points on the board after a 10 yard field goal attempt, 7-3. They claimed their first lead of the afternoon in the third quarter with just 10:58 remaining punching the football in for seven, 10-7.
 
The comet scoring frenzy continued as another third quarter strike saw them surge ahead 17-7.
 
However, Hanover provided an answer as the junior Jamey Deckard (Bedford, Ind.)  picked off the Olivet quarterback returning it 42 yards to the Olivet two yard line.
 
The Panthers scored moments later with senior Matthew Weimer (Georgetown, Ind.) finding sophomore VJ Anthony (Louisville4, Ky.), 17-14.
 
But the Comets refused to fizzle as they tacked on back-to-back touchdowns for the 31-14 difference.
 
HC found the endzone again, this time on the ground as sophomore Austin Oppel (Brandenburg, Ky.) got it done with the one yard rush and score, 31-22
 
The Panthers dealt the final blow with sophomore Jalen Peck (Bloomington, Ind.) connecting with Weimer for a four yard touchdown catch and score, 31-28.
 
HC returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 1 when they travel to Defiance. Kick-off is set for 1:30 PM.