By Matt M. Stutz

The Pandora-Gilboa Rockets kicked off their 2023 football season by hosting their State Route 12 rival, the Columbus Grove Bulldogs on Thursday night, August 17. The annual non-conference season opening showdown between the two neighboring schools proved to be a thriller, as P-G scored a touchdown with 0:01 left on the clock, for a 25-22 come-from-behind win. 

This was the Rocket’s first victory over the Bulldogs since the start of the 2018 season.

P-G was in control for the entire first half, going into the halftime locker room up 13-0. Rocket’s receiver Aidan Morris scored the game’s first touchdown, running the ball in from one yard out. The scoring play was set up earlier by a 43-yard pass play from sophomore quarterback Cory Gerten to receiver Colin Harris. P-G’s Skyler Richardson kicked the extra point for a 7-0 first quarter lead. 

P-G extended the advantage to 13-0 in quarter number two, as Gerten tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Harris along the left side of the endzone. Harris showed off some fancy footwork and was able to keep his feet inbounds for the score.  

The second half proved to be a back-and-forth battle to the very end. Columbus Grove showed their mettle, seizing a 14-13 lead and the momentum following a Rocket turnover with 1:31 left in the 3rd quarter. 

P-G came right back, highlighted by a 12-yard touchdown pass-and-catch from Gerten to Morris with 9:01 left in the fourth quarter. The 2-point attempt failed but P-G regained the lead at 19-14. Once again the Bulldogs responded, scoring their third touchdown of the night, putting them up 22-19 following a successful 2-point conversion.

Late in the game, the Rocket’s defense forced the Bulldogs into a punt, giving the offense one final chance with 1:28 to play. Following a long delay due to a Bulldog player getting injured on the punt play and having to be carried off the field, play resumed after both sides wished the young man a speedy recovery.

With the ball at their own 47-yard line and time running out, P-G quickly went to work. Several short pass-plays later, including an unbelievable catch on fourth down by Harris, P-G found themselves with a first down at the Bulldog 15-yard line with 0:08 seconds left in the contest. On the very next play, Gerten took the snap from center, rolled right, and fired a pass toward Morris who was well covered in the back corner of the endzone. Morris made the play of the game, outjumping the defense and securing the catch for the game winning touchdown; as the home crowd erupted. 

Next up for the Rockets (1-0, 0-0 BVC) will be their second straight non-conference game; they will travel to rival Bluffton on Friday, August 25.