Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NAPPANEE - It must be 1997 all over again. For the second year in a row, NorthWood and Bremen came into their matchup against each other at 0-1 on the season. And for the second year in a row, the Panthers dominated the Lions.
The only difference from last year was the score. Instead of last year's 28-7 NorthWood win, this game ended as a 39-6 victory for the Black Crush.
About the only problem for NorthWood was kicking extra points. Three different players missed a combined four extra points. However, special teams were a strength for the Panthers on the whole. NorthWood had a 47- and a 43-yard punt and also had a punt return for a touchdown.
Offensively, the Panthers controlled the tempo with 379 total yards. NorthWood is known for the quick strike capability of players like Charlie Roeder and Aaron Huber, but the Panthers showed an ability to play ball control too. Sure NorthWood scored quickly, but the Panthers also had a 13-play drive that lasted almost seven minutes in the third quarter.
Defensively, the Black Crush held Bremen to less than three yards per carry and 216 total yards. NorthWood forced five fumbles, recovering two, and also had one interception.
"I think we did some things better," NorthWood head coach Rich Dodson said. "We learned a lot from the Jimtown game."
In the first quarter, Bremen looked to gain early momentum after forcing NorthWood to punt on the Panthers' first possession. However, on the Lions' first play from scrimmage, Aric Bollenbacher coughed up the football and the Panthers took over at their own 45-yard line.
Huber took control of the offense, running for 31 yards on the drive and Roeder gave the Panthers a lead they would never relinquish with an 8-yard scamper.
NorthWood added six more points later in the period when Huber scored on an 18 yard run for a 13-0 Panther advantage.
Bremen's defense kept the Lions in the game in the second quarter until Roeder finally found the end zone from 22 yards out with under three minutes left in the half. Bremen was then forced to punt with one minute left and Huber took the return 68 yards for a touchdown and a 27-0 lead.
NorthWood added second half touchdowns on a 1-yard run from Roeder and a 34-yard jaunt from Corey Brown early in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring.
After rushing for 59 yards against Jimtown last week, Huber carried the ball 17 times for 135 yards against Bremen. Roeder had another all-around game, throwing the ball for 125 yards and rushing for another 47.
NorthWood (1-1) will host Concord Friday in a Northern Lakes Conference opener.
