HANOVER, Ind. -The Hanover Panthers advanced to the second round of the NCAA Playoffs for just the second time in program history, defeating Grove City at home in the Opening Round 23-15.
 
FIRST ROUND
Hanover had a strong offensive showing combining for a game-high 360-yards, 182-yards on the ground. Leading the charge was junior Eian Roudebush rushing for a game-high 75-yards and two touchdowns. He also added 178-yards through the air and a throwing touchdown.
 
Junior Curbrian Shelby collected 87 yards on eight receptions while sophomore Jack Pennington had 29-yards on four receptions and a touchdown.
 
Defensively, sophomore Brian Wall was outstanding, collecting a team-high seven stops with a fumble recovery while freshman Kane Powell-Smith had a forced fumble and three pass breakups.
 
INSDIE THE STATS
The Panther offense leads the HCAC this season in points per game (40.0), total points (440), and total touchdowns (61).
 
Defensively, they rank first in fewest points allowed (12.8), fewest touchdowns given up (18), and fewest points scored (141).
 
Roudebush leads the league in passing efficiency at 171.0 and fewest interceptions thrown with just five.
 
Junior Saadiq Pasha ranks third among the HCAC in interceptions with four for a combined 10 yards.
 
HANOVER AT NORTH CENTRAL
The Panthers and Cardinals square off for the second time in the post season, with the last meeting coming in 2018. North Central blanked Hanover in the contest 52-0.
 
HCAC CHAMPS
Hanover received the HCAC automatic qualifier to the NCAA Playoffs after posting a perfect 5-0 mark in league play and winning the Conference Title. The Panthers dethroned Mount St. Joseph, handing them the first Conference loss in four seasons.