Ross falls to Whitmer 42-18

Toledo — Toledo Whitmer hit Fremont Ross with touchdowns in quick succession in both the first quarter and the third.  While the Little Giants played with the Panthers between the big plays, it wasn’t enough to keep Ross from dropping its fourth game in a row, 42-18

KEY TO THE GAME

Whitmer got the jump on the Ross. The Panthers capitalized on good field position with quick touchdowns in taking a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. They expanded that lead on the first play of the second quarter and kept the Little Giants’ from seriously threatening the rest of the night by hitting a pair of long touchdown passes in the third quarter.

ROSS HIGHLIGHTS

Ross’ best showing came in the effort department as the Little Giants, though far from perfect, gave a much improved showing than in the last couple of weeks. Despite that effort, Ross fell into a 28-0 hole early in the second quarter. The Little Giants, however, fought back. Ross answered with an 81-yard, 10-play drive capped by a 3-yard run by Uriah Haun. Later, after a Whitmer field goal sailed wide, Ross marched 80 yards in just 1:03 behind junior quarterback Boston Swaisgood. He hit Jarren Hampton down the Ross sideline for a 40-play inside the Whitmer 10. The next play Swaisgood ran it in from eight yards out for a touchdown, trimming the halftime deficit to 28-12. Early in the fourth quarter, Swaisgood connected with Hampton, who made a tremendous, acrobatic catch for a touchdown.

WHITMER HIGHLIGHTS

The Panthers started off fast, scoring on their first three possessions with touchdown runs of 8, 3 and 4 yards. Whitmer then scored just 13 seconds into the second quarter when Swaisgood fumbled while being sacked, the ball was recovered by the Panthers and returned for a touchdown and a 28-0 lead. Chase Bodeman and Zachary Smith then connected for touchdown passes of 53 and 37 yards in the third quarter.