The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
SEASON KICKS OFF
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Elyria Catholic enters the field before its game against Sandusky Perkins in Week 1 on Aug. 30. The Panthers went on to win 46-13.
Running back Chris Jackson Jr. roared like a Panther in Elyria Catholic’s win over visiting Sandusky-Perkins on Aug. 30. EC would go on to win, 46-13. Elyria Catholic struggled in the beginning of the game as it gave up a 75-yard touchdown pass early, but Perkins missed the PAT, and the Pirates were off to an early 6-0 lead.
From that point, Jackson provided the spark the team needed, and he and Elyria Catholic never looked back in a big season-opening victory.
All of Jackson Jr.’s big plays came during the second quarter.
First, he ripped off a 52yard rushing touchdown to give his team a 7-6 lead to start the quarter.
Then, with 9:12 remaining, he scored a 51-yard rushing touchdown to give the Panthers a 14-6, lead.
The two big plays set the Panthers well on their way to the win.
“I just know we needed a spark,” Jackson Jr. said. “And the line was pumping me up, so I know we could do it.”
Jackson Jr. finished with 157 rushing yards with two touchdowns.
Elyria Catholic head coach Brian Fox knows they have something special in Jackson Jr. and tonight’s performance proved just that.
“He was running hard, Fox said. “It’s hard, because for the longest time, you find yourself behind an incredible running back ... He got his opportunity, and came out took advantage of. He needs these reps and he needs to continue improve, and we need to keep finding ways to get him the ball because he’s a spectacular talent.”
The rest of the team followed Jackson Jr.’s lead. The team scored one more time in the second quarter — a 63-yard pass from quarterback Steve Navalinsky to wide receiver Connor Trockley.
Navalinsky was 9 of 22 for 237 passing yards.
Elyria Catholic scored three more times in the third quarter to expand its lead to 39-6. The Panthers missed the PAT each time they scored in the quarter. It was a busy third quarter, as it took about an hour to complete.
EC scored once again in the fourth quarter to make it a 46-6 game.
Senior Sadie Hutsenpiller would make the PAT. She also took care of kickoff dutites in the second half for Elyria Catholic.
With that touchdown, it commenced a running clock for the rest of the game.