The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Panthers topple Normandy in 51-14 win
Elyria Catholic remains in the hunt for playoff, share of GLC title with win
It didn’t look pretty, but Elyria Catholic blew out Normandy, 5114, at Byers Field Oct. 18 in a Great Lake Conference matchup.
In a game that featured seven combined interceptions — three for Elyria Catholic — the Panthers still showed its talent advantage
over the Invaders.
Star running back Leighton Banjoff led with 175 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns, while quarterback Cameron Engrish tossed 195 yards and two touchdowns.
Elyria Catholic improved to 7-2 (4-1 GLC) and Normandy dropped to 3-6 (1-5 GLC).
Coming off an emotional win over rival Bay last week, there were some that speculated this as a trap game for the Panthers.
“Coming in on a short week of practice playing a Thursday game, we were mentally focused at practice all week,” Banjoff said. “We were able to understand what Normandy did offensively and defensively.”
“It felt pretty good. All the senior linemen got to score a touchdown and it was my turn.”
— Panthers offensive linemen Andrew Dykin
Elyria Catholic held the Invaders to 62 rushing yards.
The Panthers jumped out to a 30-0 lead in the first quarter — including a 27-yard interception return from Luke Costantino and a 70-yard screen touchdown catch to Banjoff from Engrish.
The Panthers also got a 2-yard rushing touchdown from offensive lineman Andrew Dykin.
“It felt pretty good,” Dykin said. “All the senior linemen got to score a touchdown and it was my turn.”
Engrish, despite the big lead, struggled in the first half throwing three interceptions.
But his teammates picked him up, and Banjoff capped off a big half with a 89-yard rushing touchdown with 8:02 left in the second quarter after it looked momentarily that he was tackled.
“We didn’t want to give them any hope,” Banjoff added. “Especially a team like them, they never give up. Being able to put up 30 points in the first quarter was definitely big and it shut down any momentum they could have gained.”
Panthers coach Brian Fox credited his team for not letting down on a short week.
“How these guys came out in the first quarter really set the tone,” Fox said. “That’s what you look for. It got a little ugly in the second quarter, but then challenged them in the second half with some energy.
“These guys are hungry. They’ve been so excited and focused. It’s so nice to see them enjoying the fruits of their labor.”