Panthers Roll in 2022 Season Opener

The varsity football team opened its season in impressive fashion Friday night as the Panthers cruised to 38-6 win over Springport.

The Panther offense looked impressive from the start, but it was the defense that opened dominated the Spartans and held them scoreless until late in the fourth quarter.

The defense held Springport to just 132 yards in total offense and had four interceptions on the night.

Stockbridge took the opening kickoff and drove into Spartan territory, but turned it over on downs, giving Springport the ball inside its own 10-yard line. The Spartans moved past midfield, but a pass went through the hands of a receiver and Damien Hayes grabbed the tipped ball and sprinted the other way for a 63-yard pick-6. Joey Ballagh’s extra point made it 7-0 Panthers.

Damien Hayes picks off a tipped pass and sprints 63-yards for a touchdown

Ballagh then executed a perfect onside kick which was recovered by Gary Killinger to give the Panthers the ball back.

The Panthers used the short field and Jalen Rogozinski ran it in from two-yards out for a 13-0 lead.

Ballagh then placed another perfect onside kick that was recovered by Drew Robinson and the Panthers had the ball once again.

A couple of plays later, Rogozinski hit Robinson with a quick pass and he broke free and tip-toed down the sideline and dove for the pilon for a 35-yard scoring pass and a 19-0 lead.

Drew Robinson breaks free for a 35-yard scoring reception against Springport

The Panthers would continue to pour it on as Rogozinski hit Hayes for a three yard touchdown and then found Robinson in stride for a 40-yard scoring strike and a 31-0 halftime lead.

The defense continued to dominate in the second half, holding the Spartans off the board.

Rogozinski would toss for his fourth TD pass of the night when he scrambled and found Zach Fletcher with an 11-yard scoring strike to make it 38-0.

Springport would find the endzone with a TD run late in the fourth quarter as the Panthers cruised to the win.

Jalen Rogozinski had a big night in his first varsity start at quarterback by going 11-17 passing for 159 yards and 4 TD’s. He also rushed for one score.

Robinson caught six passes for 107 yards and two scores and rushed for 47 yards on eight carries.

Zach Rogozinski led the team in rushing with 61 yards on 16 carries and was bruising on defense with 8 tackles including three for some big losses for Springport.

Killinger added eight tackles for the Panthers defense. Robinson, Ballagh, Hayes, and Brock Rochow all picked off passes for the Panthers.

The Panthers will return to action Thursday night when they host Ypsilanti.

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