More late heroics for Norwalk in 30-23 victory
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| Creston/O-M linebackers Derek Pellman (57) and Austin Bolinger (9) wrap up Norwalk quarterback Corey Anderson during Friday's game. Pellman had nine tackles and Bolinger had four in the Panthers' 30-23 defeat. (CNA photo by LARRY PETERSON) |
It's not evident from the statistics, but a full house at Panther Field on a pleasant, breezy evening Friday witnessed a game that wasn't decided until the final seconds.
Norwalk outgained Creston/O-M in total yards, 342-140, and owned a 16-4 advantage in first downs. In their home opener under new coach Brian Morrison, the Panthers had three turnovers on pass interceptions, to one for the Warriors.
Yet, Norwalk needed heroics in the final seconds for the second consecutive week to get past Creston/O-M, 30-23, dropping the Panthers to 1-1 in non-district play.
The Warriors opened the season by coming back from a 20-7 deficit as running back Zach Crain scored a 5-yard touchdown with nine seconds left, and the extra point edged Winterset, 21-20.
On Friday night at Panther Field, moments after Creston/O-M senior Austin Bolinger had tied the game at 23-23 with a 36-yard field goal, Norwalk fullback Shay Huffman scored a 13-yard touchdown with 13 seconds remaining to lift the Warriors to the seven-point victory.
"I'm getting too old and fat for this," said Norwalk coach Paul Patterson.
For more on this story see the Sept. 7 edition of the Creston News Advertiser.
