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North Mac watched a 21-0 second quarter lead wither to a 21-14 advantage mid way through the third quarter. But the defense held the door just long enough for the Panthers to put together one final scoring drive in a 28-14 North Mac victory that leaves them as the only unbeaten team in the Sangamo. Pleasant Plains who entered with a 3-0 conference record now joins Athens and New Berlin in the one-loss club in the Sangamo.
The Panthers jumped out to the early lead behind their powerful rushing attack. Griffin Hatalla opened the scoring with a six yard touchdown run and Kendall Bearden broke a 47 yard score moments after Pleasant Plains quarterback Jacob Cronister was picked off in the endzone by Asa Donaldson. North Mac took a 14-0 lead to the second quarter and after a 20 yard Brennan White touchdown, the question didn't seem to be whether or not Plains would win, but whether or not they'd be looking at a running clock.
But the Cardinals, who were without five starters due to injury, including starting running back Nik Georges, battled. Cronister found Brock Hergenrother from six yards out to close the deficit to 14 before the half. In the third quarter, Cronister and Cole Greer hooked up three times on the second scoring drive, with the last connection going for a 19 yard touchdown.
North Mac's defense answered the call though, providing multiple stops throughout he third and early fourth quarter before a three minute drive was capped by White's second touchdown of the night.
North Mac travels to Athens in Week six. The Warriors lost a non-conference game 28-14 to Leroy on Friday.
