Panthers looking to upset Carroll County powerhouse Owls

When: Coaches:

Last meeting: 2 sacks); LB Jake Justice, Sr. (34 tackles); LB-OG Alex Bredenburg, Sr. (37 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs) Westminster: QB Duke Etchison, Sr. (68.3 completion rate on 166-for-243 passing for 2,123 yards, 21 TDs, 6 INTs); WR Ryan Hursey, Sr. (59 catches for 726 yards, 6 TDs); SR Jesse Uhlman, Sr. (42 catches for 508 yards, 2 TDs); RB-DB Brian Kohr, Sr. (26 carries for 202 yards, 4 TDs; 15 catches, 206 yards, 5 TDs); LB John Morrissey (57 tackles, 1 sack); LB Joe Jenkins, Sr. (31 tackles); SE Patrick Fitzgerald, Jr., (17 catches for 347 yards, 5 TDs); WR Chase Sankovich, Sr. (20 catches for 256 yards, 2 TDs; 6 tackles)

KEYS TO VICTORY combined and is assured of only its second winning season in a decade. The last time the Panthers got off to a 7-0 start was 2007, and that’s also the last time they beat Westminster.

The Owls, state Class 4A semifinalists last season, have rolled in Carroll County since close losses to Frederick County foes Linganore, Middletown and Urbana. Etchison tied a state record with seven touchdown passes in last week’s 51-22 win over Francis Scott Key and directs an aerial offense that gains 303 yards per game. The Owls haven’t lost to a county opponent on the field in three years, but a forfeit cost them two years ago.

North Carroll has pulled out late wins with big plays. Trailing by 4 last week against Century, Merrill and Bredenburg returned fourth-quarter interceptions for touchdowns to win, 23-14.

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