News Summary

In a thrilling match, the Perry Panthers showcased their strength in the season opener against the Central Catholic Crusaders, winning 41-14 in a renewed rivalry known as the Battle for 13th Street. This game marked the head coaching debut of Spencer Leno, who implemented a dynamic offense, leading to impressive performances from both the offense and defense. Highlights included a standout game from sophomore quarterback Cameron Treharn and strong rushing efforts from Connor Shephard and Jonathan Lemon. The Panthers’ victory solidified their dominance over Central Catholic, winning their third straight matchup.

Perry Panthers Shine Bright in Season Opener Against Central Catholic

In a thrilling evening for football fans in Perry, the Perry Panthers kicked off their season with a spectacular win against the Central Catholic Crusaders, marking the start of another chapter in their fierce rivalry. The game, affectionately known as the Battle for 13th Street, took place on August 21, and it did not disappoint as the Panthers roared to a commanding 41-14 victory.

Another Thursday Night Tradition

Thursday night games have become a cherished tradition in this football-crazed town, with this year’s matchup being the fifth consecutive year it has been held. Fans gathered under the stadium lights, electric with excitement, as the two high schools, Perry (Division II) and Central Catholic (Division V), squared off in front of a raucous crowd.

A New Era Begins for Perry

This game also marked the head coaching debut for Spencer Leno, who was eager to showcase his revamped offense. The Panthers demonstrated a shift away from the traditional wing-T offense, embracing a more dynamic style that kept everyone on their toes. Leno highlighted the team’s physical play and their successful control of the game as key factors in their dominance.

Offensive Firepower on Full Display

With a staggering total of 400 yards of offense, it was clear that Perry came ready to play. Sophomore quarterback Cameron Treharn was particularly impressive, completing 6-of-9 passes for a remarkable 182 yards. He connected on two spectacular touchdown passes, hitting Nasir Foster for a thrilling 56-yard score and Jayden Wilson for an astonishing 70-yarder. Notably, both Wilson and Foster proved to be crucial weapons, each with three receptions, racking up 98 yards and 84 yards respectively.

Rushing Attack and Defensive Standouts

The ground game was equally impressive, highlighted by standout performances from Connor Shephard and Jonathan Lemon. Together, they compiled 176 rushing yards and contributed a whopping four touchdowns between them. Lemon was a force to be reckoned with, charging for 112 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries, while Shephard added an efficient 64 yards and also scored twice.

Defensively, Shephard was a beast, leading the team with a remarkable nine tackles and delivering punishing hits that kept the Crusaders on their heels. Additionally, Ryan Happoldt made his mark by intercepting a pass, further solidifying Perry’s grip on the game.

Central Catholic Battles Through Adversity

On the other side, Central Catholic showed moments of resilience despite their challenges. Their starting quarterback, Brock Bourquin, completed 13 of 20 passes for 97 yards along with one touchdown and one costly interception. Bourquin also managed to add a rushing touchdown, but he unfortunately faced a setback when he suffered a neck injury in the third quarter, leading to his removal on a stretcher. Thankfully, he was conscious and able to move his extremities.

With a roster returning only ten lettermen from the previous year and eight sophomores on the field, Central Catholic fought valiantly for two and a half quarters before ultimately faltering against Perry’s overwhelming momentum.

A Continuation of Dominance

As the dust settled, the scoreboard spoke volumes. Perry led 20-7 at halftime and never looked back, extending their lead through the second half. This match continued Perry’s impressive streak against Central Catholic, having won three straight and seven of the last eight meetings. Their recent average of 42.7 points per game against Central certainly added to the high expectations for this matchup.

As fans departed the stadium, the buzz was palpable. They had witnessed not just a victory, but a statement from the Perry Panthers about what this season could hold. It’s safe to say they’re off to an unforgettable start!

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