Panthers Own the Knights, Win 49-35

Published: April 13, 2021

Over 3,000 friends, family, students and alumni descended on Francis field Saturday to bear witness to the crescendo of homecoming weekend. The Panthers did not disappoint the crowd, triumphing in a surprisingly close win against the Knights 49-35.

Once again, it was the Greenville College (3-3, 3-2 UMAC) offense that led the way to victory neting 517 of total offense. Martin Luther College (1-5, 1-4 UMAC) jumped up to a early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The Knights were not able to overcome the 28 point outburst from the Panthers in the first half.

Martin Luther scored on their first possession of the second half on a 13 play 58 yard drive that ate up seven minutes of the clock. Greenville responded with the next two scores the second coming on a SO QB Brendan Chambers (San Clemente, CA) 46 yard run.

Martin Luther showed thier resliance by putting together scoring drives of 76 and 66 yards to cut the Panther lead to seven with 3:49 left in the 4th quarter.

Five plays later it was Chambers with another long touchdown run, this time from 44 yards out. The ensuing kickoff was fumbled and then recovered by SO LB Monte Beverly (Fairview Heights, IL) which sealed the victory.

The stars of the Panther offense shone brightest for the big homecoming stage. Chambers finished the day 11 of 17 passing for 191 yards and 4 touchdowns. On the ground Chambers had 124 yards on eight attempts and 2 touchdowns. SR TE Demontrez Simington (Atlanta, GA) had the best game as a Panther. He pulled down 7 receptions for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. SR WR Ryan Boezeman (Demott, IN)had 2 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. FR WR Tyrik Scott's (Owings Mills, MD) only catch of the day was for a 26 yard touchdown. SR OT Jermery Burrows (Salem, OR) had his first carear touchdown when he fell on a lose ball in the end zone.

The Panther defense did their part in containing the unique and persistent offense of Martin Luther. They were led by linebackers Cody Lopez (Bonita, CA) and Kiso Faletufuga (San Diego, CA) who had 10 and 8.5 tackles on the day.

The Knights leader on defense was LB Jason Zweifel who talled 12.5 tackles. On offense it was option QB Joseph Lindloff who had 214 yards of total offense and four touchdowns.

Next week the Panthers travel to Eureka, IL to take on the Red Devils of Eureka College (4-2, 4-1 UMAC). Kickoff is set for 1PM CST.