Pekin off to a strong start, shutting out first two opponents

The Panther football program is looking for a strong, competitive, season in both JV and Varsity as they return a lot of players and will have a great representation of all ages.

Having great impacts on the team will be Will Adam, Isaac Sylvester, Alton Williams, Caden Bender, and Robert Brown; all seniors that are returning for their final year.

Pekin’s defense will be a great strength for the team as they set the tone last season where they gave up less than 12 points in six out of eight games. Offensively, the Panthers hope to build off last season, where they averaged approximately 34 points per game.

8/30 Pekin 76, Cardinal 0

Pekin opened their season Friday, Aug. 30, with a huge 76-0 win at home over Cardinal.

The Panthers rushed for 433 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. Nolan Glick rushed for 141 yards and five touchdowns in nine carries. Will Adam carried the ball nine times for 111 yards and three touchdowns, while Henry Adam had 74 yards in nine carries. Rushing three times for a total of 58 yards was Mathias Thornton. Landon Crow had four carries for 36 total yards, and Reed Lauderman had 11 yards and a touchdown in three carries.

Will Adam passed for 63 yards. On the receiving end, Robert Brown had a 21-yard reception for a touchdown; Henry Adam had a 22-yard reception; Kasey Davis had two receptions for a total of 17 yards; And Alijah Brock had three receiving yards.

Robert Brown, Kasey Davis, and Reed Lauderman each had an interception in the game.

Defensively, Bo Latcham had four solo tackles; while Henry Adam and Kasey Davis each had three solo tackles.

9/6 Pekin 54, Van Buren 0

For the second week in a row, the Panthers shut out their opponent at home, taking down Van Buren County 54-0.

Pekin had 217 yards and four touchdowns rushing, while adding three touchdowns through the air.

Senior Will Adam carried the ball six times for 95 yards, while also passing for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Nolan Glick carried the ball for 80 yards and two touchdowns, while Henry Adam had 18 yards and two touchdowns. Reed Lauderman had 16 rushing yards, Landon Crow had 11, and Mathias Thornton had two.

Robert Brown had 204 receiving yards and a touchdown, Henry Adam had 96 yards and a touchdown, and Alijah Brock had eight yards and a touchdown. Kasey Davis had two receptions for 13 yards total, and Carson Comstock had five receiving yards.

Henry Adam had two interceptions, while Robert Brown and Reed Lauderman each had one.

Henry Adam led the team defensively with 5.5 tackles, including three solo. Landon Crow had five tackles, including two solo; while Nolan Glick had 3.5, and William Daniels had two solo tackles.

Pekin travels to Danville Friday, Sept. 13. The Bears have started their season 1-1. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m.

  Buy Photo