BLOSSBURG- The Bloomsburg Panthers made the 1:40 trip north to take on the Panthers of North Penn. After going three and out on their first series, it was all down hill for North Penn in the first half of this match-up. They managed to throw three interceptions and fumble on a sack to allow Bloomsburg to respond with four touchdowns.
Most of Bloom’s success came through the air as Freshman quarterback Blake Rankin threw six completions on seven attempts for 109 yards and three of the scores. Devin McLaughlin hauled in four catches for 19, 31, 14 and a 16-yard touchdown to lead the way. Seth Vincent had a 16-yard TD grab. and Logan Mott added a 13-yard TD reception.
Richard Rhodes had two rushing scores of six and 16 yards, but only managed a total of 39 yards on ten carries. Jack Briesch contributed with a 2-yard score while rushing 41 yards on eight carries. The second half allowed many J.V. players to get playing time as the mercy rule wound the clock down quickly due to the 44-0 half-time score.
The second half looked brighter for North Penn as they kept possession of the ball and gave up trying to pass after going zero for six with three interceptions in the first half. The defense stopped Bloomsburg’s replacements and allowed the offense to put on some drives of their own. Mark Fiddler got North Penn on the board mid-way through the third period on a ten yard run to cap a 67 yard drive. Then, Ryan Dinger bowled in from the six to end a 62 yard drive and close the third quarter.
It was too little too late though as the clock continued to run. This one ended at 44 -14 in favor of Bloomsburg(3-1) in a bounce-back win after their loss to Montoursville(3-1). They will host the Lancers(2-2) of Loyalsock next week.
North Penn(2-2) hosts rival Athens (3-1) next Friday.
