Turnovers lift Delta over Dogs

By FRANK ROCHA

Expositor Sports Writer

The Panther defense created five turnovers to gain control of game and beat Rossford 22-14 Friday.

In the second half the defense came up big with a 52 yard fumble recovery by Scott Pfaff for a touchdown. That score started the momentum to swing the Panthers way.

In the first half Rossford took the lead on a pair of safeties. After each team gave up the ball the Bulldogs come up with a 30 yard TD strike to take an 11 point lead. Both defenses stiffened up going into the half.

Rossford started the first series with a fumble on the fifth play on the drive. Pfaff picked up the ball for a 52 yard score, missing the two point conversion making score Rossford 11 Delta 6. The teams traded punts until Delta got a big run by Eric Puehler up the middle for a 42 yard score and getting two point conversion giving the Panthers a three point lead.

Rossford managed to tie the game with a field goal to even the score at 14. Delta offense came alive with two runs of 12 and 13 yards along with two offside penalties by Rossford and a 26 yard pass by Austin Alig,to get a 25 yard field goal by Korbin Smith.

After just missing on a surprise on-side kick, Delta's Paul Nieberding got a big interception with just four minutes left in the game. Then Delta got a big punt from Smith to change field position.

Another penalty pinned Rossford back to the goal line and the Panthers got a saftey to make it 19-14. R

ossford gave Delta good field position after failing on a on-side kick. Korbin Smith got a field goal of around 32 yards to clinch the win.

Delta Coach Brett Smith said the team kept fighting to stay in game, and the defense came up with big turnovers in second half to gain the momentum. He felt team overcame lots of obstacles to win and he'll take the win any way he can.

Delta will travel to Evergreen for the NWOAL opener on Friday.