Sunday, October 6, 2024

Panthers roll in home opener

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Five unanswered touchdowns hurt the Stevens Point football team in a season-opening loss to Chippewa Falls.

That wasn’t the case in the Panthers’ home opener, however.

Stevens Point found the end zone on all five of its drives in the first half enroute to a 43-0 win over Superior Aug. 29 at Goerke Field.

Grant Channdonais opened the scoring with a 68-yard quarterback keeper on the Panthers’ first offensive play and added 29- and 31-yard touchdown passes to Charlie Belson later in the opening quarter.

Jackson Spees added a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown and the Panthers took a 29-0 lead into the second quarter.

The Panthers added to their lead with two more scores in the second quarter. Kyle Madlena scored on a 34-yard touchdown run before Johnny Mathews wrapped up the scoring with a 5-yard run.

The Panthers outgained the Spartans 234-133 on the ground and 109-66 through the air. Chandonais completed all six of his passes for 98 yards and also led the Panthers with 105 rushing yards.

The Panthers improved to 1-1 with the nonconference win and will open Wisconsin Valley Conference play Friday, Sept. 6, by hosting Eau Claire Memorial. Kickoff at Goerke Field is set for 7 p.m.