HANOVER, Ind. – Second half turnovers sink Panthers (3-1 overall, 0-1 HCAC) as they dropped a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference contest to Defiance on Saturday afternoon, 27-21.
 
After finding themselves in a first quarter 6-0 hole the Panther offense went to work. The Blue and Red traveled 50-yards on seven plays for their first endzone trip.
 
 The Panthers opened the drive with a five yard completion to junior Jalen Peck (Bloomington, Ind.) before senior Kolton Richards (Kissimmee, Fla.) and Peck connected again for an 18-yard hookup that landed Hanover within the Defiance 20-yard line. Sophomore Don Dunning (Nashville, Tenn.) handled the rest rushing for an 11-yard score, 7-6.
 
Hanover's final first half strike came with 6:51 remaining as Peck made his way into the endzone after a 30-yard reception. The drive saw the Blue and Red travel 43-yards on three plays, 14-6.
 
However, the Yellow Jackets continued to swarm as they were able to punch-in a touchdown prior to the intermission, 14-13.
 
The second half would see Hanover take the kickoff 57-yards on six plays extending their lead. Dunning appeared to be the clear choice for the Blue and Red as he carried the ball three times on the drive, claiming the 35-yard touchdown score, 21-13.
 
But Defiance refused to be denied forcing two Panther turnovers late into the contest. The first one came in the third quarter as senior Hunter Eads fumbled inside their own 20-yard line setting up the game tying score, 21-21.
 
The final endzone trip for Defiance came in the fourth quarter traveling 80-yards on six plays for the go-ahead touchdown, 27-21.
 
Hanover returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 7 when they travel to Bluffton. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 PM.