The Carroll Cougars were defeated by the Pioneer Panthers 45-14 in Friday night’s Sectional Championship.
For the second year in a row, the Panthers knocked the Cougars out of the State Tournament.
Carroll’s offense couldn’t find traction early, punting on their first three possessions and surrendering 17 points to the high-powered Panther rushing attack.
Cale Peters put the Cougars on the board halfway through the second quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run.
Pioneer added two more scores before the half and took a commanding 31-7 lead into the break.
Out of halftime, the Pioneer offense got back in rhythm, scoring on the second-half’s opening drive.
Cale Peters would find Brody Ray late in the game for a 14-yard score, but the Panthers finished the game with another rushing score, winning 45-14.
“I’m proud of all of our seniors,” Carroll coach Blake Betzner said after the game. “They set a great example of what a great teammate is and how to build a great program.”
Carroll ends the year with a record of 7-4.
