HANOVER, Ind. – In an action-packed day, the Panthers (7-3 overall, 4-3 HCAC) retained the Victory Bell defeating Franklin 36-17. Prior to the contest, Hanover celebrated Senior Day recognizing over 30 outstanding Panthers.
Hanover Athletic Director, Lynn Hall was also recognized at halftime being awarded the prestigious Council Sagamores of the Wabash award.
The Panthers dominated the 93-year-old rivalry claiming the 6-0 advantage at the 11:21 mark in the first quarter. Junior
Jalen Peck (Bloomington, Ind.) recorded the score as he caught a pass from freshman quarterback,
Eian Roudebush (New Palestine, Ind.) capping a five paly 41-yard drive.
The Grizzlies looked to respond midway through the second quarter traveling 60-yards on 10 plays before Hanover stalled the drive at the Panther 11-yardline. Franklin settled for the field goal pulling within 6-3.
However, Hanover remained all gas as junior
Pedro Paixao (Serra, Brazil) netted a 23-yard field goal with just over seven to play until halftime to push the HC lead, 9-3.
The Panthers recorded one final first half score as Peck charted his second endzone visit off a 22-yard scamper, 15-3.
The brother duo of Eian and senior
Eric Roudebush (New Palestine, Ind.) struck for a 55-yard catch and touchdown to open the second half blowing the contest almost out of reach for Franklin, 22-3.
The Grizzlies looked to right the ship finding the red zone with 12:28 left in the fourth quarter pulling within 22-10.
But junior
Austin Oppel (Brandenburg, Ky.) deflated their hopes as he rushed for 28-yards concluding a four play 60-yard drive for a 29-17 difference.
The exclamation point came with 3:09 remaining in the contest as junior
Blake Huffman (Columbus, Ind.) beat the Grizzlies to the edge and took the pig skin to the house en route to the 36-17 victory.
The victory marks the second straight Victory Bell win for the Hanover and moves the all-time series to 47-43-3.
