The underdog Panthers went on the road to defeat Center Grove on its Senior Night 14-7 Friday night in Indiana high school football.
But the Panthers victory didn’t come easily, and it never does in the tough MIC, which features three top five teams in the state. But they overcame a few turnovers – including quarterback Gavin Alexander’s fumble 1-yard away from a touchdown. The fumble came after Alexander’s second straight quarterback sneak attempt in a 7-7 second-half game.
Center Grove recovered the fumble, but North Central’s defense got the ball back to its offense. The Panthers got the ball on their own 39-yard line and marched 61 yards on seven plays, culminating in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Alexander to wide receiver Krayshawn Brewer. Brewer’s catch gave the Panthers a 14-7 lead with 5:28 left in the game.
Brewer finished with three catches for 25 yards. Jordan Williams led the Panthers with five catches for 45 yards.
Center Grove got the ball back looking for a chance to tie, but North Central held the Trojans on a fourth-down play. The Panthers took over on downs. They used the running of Jalen McIntyre to run the clock out. McIntyre picked up two first downs on third and fourth down runs, helping the Panthers run out the clock.
Alexander and McIntyre’s runs kept Center Grove off balance. McIntyre finished with 119 yards on 25 carries. He also scored the Panthers first touchdown on a 5-yard run. Alexander also had 14 carries for 46 yards to go along with 11-of-17 passing for 109 yards.
But it’s been North Central’s defense that has contributed mightily to its victories. The Panthers shut out Terre Haute South last week 47-0, and limited Center Grove to one touchdown this week. Two-way linemen Darius Latham (DE/OT) and Michael Raby (DT/TE) have provided a consistent pass rush. Linebackers Jeff Harris and Sherrod Graham have had a big hand in stopping the opposing team’s running game.
The Panthers (4-4) have won two straight games.
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