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Panthers learn from mistake to beat Braves

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SUNBURY — After being stuffed on four consecutive plays at the goal line early in the fourth quarter, Bloomsburg didn't make the same mistake twice, turning to playmaker Madden Locke in the same situation just moments later to finish off Shikellamy.

The Panthers' defense, strong all night long, forced and recovered a fumble to set up the offense at the Braves' 9-yard-line. Rather than go for the field goal either time to make it a two-possession game, the Panthers again gambled on fourth down. Getting the ball in Locke's hands in a jumbo set helped Bloomsburg put the Braves away, 20-7.

"I called a timeout to think about what we do, knowing we have a couple of plays we could run," Bloomsburg coach Mike Kogut said. "Jake Fogelsanger says 'coach, it's three yards, let's get the ball to Madden' "... He challenged everybody and that obviously put us up two scores which was big."

Locke did it all, rushing for 84 yards and two touchdowns, completing a 34-yard pass, and reeling in four receptions for 24 yards.

"As a head coach, Madden is the best football player I've coached," Kogut said. "I feel there is nothing he can't do. He's such an intelligent player and you pair that with his athleticism and effort, you have one incredible player."

The Panthers were far more dominant on offense but were twice stopped on fourth down and threw a pair of interceptions. That allowed the Braves to remain competitive, but even after the late fourth-down stop, they were tasked with more than doubling their offensive output at that point, having to drive 97 yards if they wanted a chance to tie the game.

"We thought we had the edge on that but they made a good play on that [defensive stop]," Kogut said. "We talked about the field goal, but we were comfortable with the kids on offense, but we just didn't execute and that's a credit to [Shikellamy].

"... We have to get more consistent on offense. We hurt ourselves with some penalties and some mistakes and we'll keep working on that. Shikellamy also played tough too. The defense is playing solid and doing a really good job. We have to click a little better offensively, but we're leaning on the defense a little bit right now."

It showed up when it mattered most, forcing and recovering a fumble just two snaps later.

The Panthers more than doubled the Braves' offensive yardage (315-141) and didn't allow a first down until Shikellamy's scoring drive midway through the second quarter. The scoring gap could have been wider had it not been for two interceptions — one by Locke and another by freshman Wyatt Brosious in the final seconds of the first half as the Panthers were charging down the field — and a slow start to the game.

"We just have to keep practicing and watch film," Kogut said. " ... There are guys in the NFL who make mistakes and we're going to make them too. That's fine because our effort is second to none. We're committed and gritty and grind, and some plays didn't work out, but we just keep working to get better."

The Panthers' offense rolled out different looks at quarterback, starting with Locke in the wildcat and going with Brosious in the 2-minute drill. The Panthers, however, rolled with Liam Zentner behind center.

He connected with tight end Nick Wharton for 44 yards to help set up Locke's first 3-yard rushing touchdown. He then, like a magician, escaped a sure sack on fourth down, rolled right, and hit a wide-open Wharton from 10 yards out to give the Panthers a two-touchdown advantage.

"We tried some different things, but our best rhythm was when Liam was in. We leaned on our senior who is our warrior for everything he's been through. He led us on some big throws, even there at the end to help us win this game tonight."

Zentner had a 34-yard completion with Fogelsanger to set up the initial goal-line stand, finishing 6 of 9 for 92 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers also got a solid night from bruising back Blake Zeisloft. He finished with a game-high 85 yards, breaking numerous tackles or just plowing through anybody in his way.

"People forget he's only a sophomore. I think the sky's the limit for him," Kogut said. "He and Madden both run hard and never go down on first contact."

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