BLUE ASH – The Springboro Panthers’ offensive and defensive units traded impressive halves but couldn’t put them both together in 28-21 disappointing loss to the GMC’s Sycamore Aves.  While Springboro was able to move the opening drive of the game down the field with ease, capped off by a 21 yard touchdown pass from Josh Little to Jake Johnson, the offense did little else in the 1st half other then make mistakes.  The Stonewall Defense on the other hand looked like the unit that Springboro faithful need them to be thru much of the first half, allowing Springboro to take a 7-0 lead to the halftime locker room. 

In the second half though, the two exchanged places.  Springboro’s offense got out of it’s own way to produce two second half scoring drives but the defense allowed 28 points, all in the second half.  Turnovers continue to plague Springboro as well as the Panthers lost an interception and 2 fumbles to the Aves. 

While the first half was mostly a defensive struggle for both teams, the offenses provided fans with a fast paced, high energy second half that saw the momentum swing back and forth.  Springboro’s offensive production was led in large part by Little, who finished the night completing 14 of 21 passes for 196 yards and 2 TDs.  The Sycamore offense was a ground based attack that was led by quarterback Kyle Sess’s 166 yards rushing. 

The turning point of the game came in the 4th quarter when another Little to Johnson touchdown tied the game at 21 with 3:28 seconds left in the game.  On the ensuing kick-off, Sycamore’s Larry Cook led out a 65 yard kick-off return down to the Springboro 31 yard line that set up the game winning score for the Aves. 

With the win, Sycamore improves to 2-0 and Springboro falls to a disappointing 0-2 with 2 very close losses.  The Panthers are back in action next Friday at home as the 2-0 Butler Aviators come to town.  Next Friday night is Pee-Wee night for all of the Springboro youth football players to be recognized.