TROY – The Panthers defense showed signs of being able to shut down the Troy Trojans’ vaunted running attack in the first half of a road game at Troy.  In fact, the game started with the Trojans going three and out multiple times in the first half.  Springboro’s offense was able to get a 14-0 lead with a Josh Little to Jake Johnson TD strike in the first quarter and a 25 yard Kyle Longworth TD run in the second. 

But, Troy QB Cody May completed a touchdown pass to Isaih Williams right before the half and then opened the 2nd half with an 85 yard kick-off return for a touchdown by University of Cincinnati recruit Marcus Foster.  The Panthers never recovered as Troy would go on to score 21 points in the third quarter and 36 total in the second half.

The Springboro offense made a last ditch effort in the 4th quarter to mount a comeback with another Little to Johnson TD pass but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 41-21 setback to the 3-1 Trojans. 

Springboro gained 394 yards on offense as compared to Troy’s 292 total yards, but the results didn’t show on the scoreboard.  Troy’s QB May completing 4 TD passes and the returned kick-off proved to be those hidden stats in the yardage totals.  Panther running back Kyle Longworth, filling in for the injured Jalen Campbell and Brandon Walker had an impressive debut, rushing for 172 yards on the night. 

With the loss, Springboro falls to an unprecedented 0-4 on the season.  Their competition has been stiff with Mason sitting at 2-2, Sycamore at 4-0, Butler at 4-0 and Troy at 3-1.  While their next opponent’s record wouldn’t indicate it, the going doesn’t get any easier for the tough-luck Panthers.  Next Friday, the Centerville Elks travel to Springboro.  The Elks come into the game at 1-3 with losses to Elder, Indianapolis Cathedral, and St. Ignatious.