The Oconto Falls High School football team posted its most points in five years Friday in its homecoming game against New London.
But the 33 points were not enough as the young Panthers remained winless this season with a 47-33 loss at Memorial Field.
Still there were reasons for optimism for OFHS (0-6, 0-5 Bay Conference).
- Senior Jacob Yatso had an explosive 71-yard touchdown run and finished with 99 yards on 11 carries.
- Junior Sam Shroyer returned a third-quarter kickoff 97 yards to the end zone.
- The offensive line played well.
“I am really proud of our offensive line and they took a couple of good steps forward,” Oconto Falls coach Jeff Trochil said. “We countered off some of our plays, and we saw them overshifting on some things, and we took advantage of it.”
- Junior wide receiver Jack Huberty led the Panthers receiving corps with three receptions for 89 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and a 27-yard reception between two defenders in the third.
“Those kids made some plays. We had two guys on them and they got the ball,” New London coach Marc Marsh said.
- Sophomore quarterback Connor Scray rushed for 72 yards on 11 carries, including a 49-yard scramble, and completed five of 10 passes for 89 yards and one touchdown.
“Connor is a great competitor and he went through a good read and recognition,” Trochil said. “He saw something and he went with it. … Connor did a really good job of handling the ball and it was a good, positive night.”
Oconto Falls trailed 13-0 after the first period and 41-19 at halftime, but outscored New London (2-4, 1-4 Bay) 14-6 in the second half.
“The crowd did a really good job getting us pumped up because we got behind early,” Scray said.
Austin Kowlaczyk dug in for a 4-yard touchdown as time expired in the third quarter — the first of the Panthers’ two second-half TDs. Kowalczyk had 13 carries for 61 yards.
The Panthers regained possession five seconds into the fourth quarter on a forced fumbled.
Oconto Falls controlled the ball for seven minutes. Mac Winkler finished the drive with a touchdown run with five minutes remaining.
Marsh said he was impressed that the Panthers continued to fight throughout the game despite playing from behind.
“I know they are playing hard, and you can see there is no quit in those guys,” Marsh said. “We started off pretty fast but we made too many mistakes.”
Connor Hoell had three TDs and 313 of New London’s 362 yards rushing. Dylan Keehn tossed four touchdowns and had 166 yards passing, completing 7 of 15 attempts. Hunter Zaddack was the Bulldogs’ top receiver with 68 yards on two catches, both for touchdowns.
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