Panthers score, score again, then score some more

PACKWOOD ? Pekin scored early, Pekin scored often and Pekin never showed a hint of letting up Friday night against Van Buren.

When the dust settled, a 90-0 romp became a perfect ending for the Panthers? homecoming as everything clicked for an offense that rolled up 681 yards ? 530 of which came on the ground ? to put Pekin ahead early and they never lookd back. Even after seven first-quarter touchdowns put second-stringers on the field early in the second period, the Panthers tacked on six more trips to the end zone with the clock running via the mercy rule.

?We have played three very tough games without a lot of substituting and Friday we got a lot of kids some playing time,? said Pekin head coach Tom Stone.

With the win, Pekin moves to 3-1 with a third straight victory and only a late comeback surge from Sigourney-Keota in week one has put a blemish on the record. Pekin also improves to 2-0 in District 5 play while Van Buren falls to 0-4.

?It?s the first game like that I?ve been involved with,? said Stone, who is in his 41st season on the Panther sidelines. ?I don?t discredit Van Buren ? they were trying, but just weren?t as good as we were on Friday.?

Panther quarterback Dalton Stone outshined most others in a crowded box score with five total touchdowns ? two on the ground, one through the air to Brady Lamb and one on an interception return ? and finished the game with 175 total yards of offense. Bridger Wolcott led the laundry list of Pekin rushers with 202 yards and three scores followed by Hunter Maeder with 110 yards including a 64-yard gallop to the end zone. Trenton Northup, Colton Swanson and Tyler Sylvester also crossed the goal line on the ground while took one of his three catches for a 17-yard score.

The Pekin defense racked up four interceptions while Jordon Hervey led the Warrior defense with a team-high 13 tackles.

Pekin will be at home again Friday to take on Wapello while Van Buren will look for win No. 1 on the road against Iowa Valley.