Panthers Score 8 Touchdowns in Victory

The Northern Bedford High School football team found the end zone eight times Friday night, Oct. 16, at Claysburg-Kimmel.

The scores – six offensive, one defensive and one special teams – helped the Black Panthers (5-1) roll to a 56-6 victory, their fifth straight win. The Bulldogs' fourth straight loss dropped them, to 1-5 on the campaign.

NB senior Dalton Smith scored three touchdowns on the night – one rushing, one receiving and one on an interception return. He finished with 86 yards rushing on nine carries, 62 yards receiving on two catches, six tackles on defense and a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown.

"Dalton Smith had a terrific game as he put up big numbers," NB coach Garry Black said. "He ran well, caught some nice passes, and had a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown. That makes for a nice night of football."

Junior Griffin Keller scored twice for NB, one rushing and a 70-yard kickoff return. Senior Cadin Ebersole also ran for a score and hauled in a touchdown pass. He finished with 36 yards rushing on three carries and 35 yards receiving on two receptions. Senior Evan Clouse caught two passes, including one for a touchdown, and finished with 29 yards receiving.

NB senior quarterback Thad Leidy completed nine of his 15 pass attempts for 164 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

"I was happy with how we played at times on Friday," Black said. "We scored on offense, defense and special teams so that is always a plus. We have to continue to get better run blocking. We wanted to do some things and Claysburg did a good job taking those things away.

"I was happy with the effort of our guys and felt we played better up front in the second half."

The NB defense forced three turnovers – two interceptions and one fumble recovery – and four Bulldog punts.

Sophomore Cole Claycomb and junior Pressten Imler carried the bulk of the load for the C-K rushing attack. Claycomb carried the ball 14 times for 60 yards and one touchdown, while Imler had 11 carries for 48 yards. Senior Preston Bush hauled in two passes for 43 yards.

"This week was another moment of growth for our team," C-K coach Matt Bilchak said. "We have been battling injuries this season. Many younger players are being forced into playing significant varsity minutes.

"Northern is always a tough matchup for us. We were able to move the football and created some turnovers. Unfortunately, we couldn't capitalize on those and turn them into points. I did feel we had several bright spots in the game. I liked the progress I am seeing from our younger kids stepping into new roles. The tough attitude, willingness to fight, and not give up has made me proud."

NB has earned the second seed in the District 5 Class 1A playoffs and will host Conemaugh Township (2-3) at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in a semifinal matchup. The winner will play top-seeded Tussey Mountain (6-0) in the district title game Oct. 29, 30 or 31 at a time and site to be determined.

"I'm excited about playing Conemaugh Township this week," Black said. "They are getting better and better each week and will give us some fits on Friday night. They have a lot of weapons on offense and they are aggressive on defense. They've shown the ability to be opportunistic as well. Last week, they were flying around on defense and forced several turnovers.

"We have to be ready to run or throw and take what they give us if we want to move on in the playoffs. "They have some tough kids who have some big game experience, so I think it will be a real battle."

C-K will host Everett (0-5) in a regular season game at 7 p.m. Friday at Bulldog Stadium.

"With the rest of the season, I am hoping we continue putting in hard work to develop the chemistry needed to continue being a great football team," Bilchak said.