C-S’ Magical Season Ends In Semifinals Against Portland St. Patrick 49-6

By Bruce Rolfe

   A season that was filled with firsts, memories that will last a lifetime and success, came to an end for the Climax-Scotts football team Saturday in the 8-man Division 2 semifinals with a 49-6 loss to Portland St. Patrick at Portland Public Schools field.

   C-S finishes the season with a 9-3 record while Portland St. Patrick advances to the Division 2 state championship game November 23 in Marquette.

   The Shamrocks put C-S in a hole right off the bat when St. Patrick took the opening kickoff to it own 47-yard line and Ned Smith found a big hole and romped 53 yards on the first play from scrimmage for a quick 6-0 lead just 15 seconds into the game. The two-point conversion was no good.

  C-S responded with an impressive drive to the Portland St. Patrick four-yard line and came close to scoring, however a completed pass to Jackson Ling in the end zone was ruled incomplete when the officials ruled Ling’s one foot was out of bounds by inches and Connor Gibson’s hard run up the middle fell inches short of the goal line on a fourth and four play.

   The Shamrocks stole the momentum quickly when quarterback Connor Cross teamed up with Zach Sptzley for a 99-yard pass play for a 12-0 lead. Cross teamed up with Shane Cook on the two-point conversion for a 14-0 lead.

  Cross scored from two yards out with just 32 seconds left in the first quarter for a 20-0 Shamrock lead and Cross connected with Derec Fedewa for a 22-0 advantage after one quarter.

  Cross continued to be nearly a one man wrecking crew when he scored on a five yard run with 7:03 left in the third quarter and threw a pass to Ned Smith on the two-point conversion for a 30-0 Shamrock advantage.

   A blocked punt by Portland gave the Shamrocks the ball on the Panther 23 yard line and three plays later Cross hooked up with Fedewa on a 15-yard pass play for a touchdown at the 4:00 mark. Jeff Davlin kicked the extra point for a 37-0 St. Patrick lead.

  C-S was able to end the first half on a positive note when Ernesto Escobedo scored on a one-yard run with 1:24 left in the quarter. The two-point conversion was no good for a 37-6 Shamrock lead.

   Portland St. Patrick impressively moved down field and got to the Panther one-yard line, but the Panthers dodged a bullet when a Cross pass in the end zone on a fourth and one play fell incomplete on the final play of the half, keeping the Shamrock lead at 37-6.

    A five-yard touchdown run by Cross with 7:42 left in the third quarter (the extra point kick attempt was no good) gave the Shamrocks a 43-6 lead and a running clock.

   St. Patrick took the 43-6 lead into the final quarter.

   Fedewa capped the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown run with 9:49 left in the game.

   

C-S Advances To Semifinals

Will Play At Portland St. Patrick Next Weekend For An Opportunity To Advance To The State Championship Game

By Bruce Rolfe

Friday night’s Division 2 8-man regional championship contest at Climax-Scotts High School didn’t start out very well for the Panthers when Onekama scored just 1:32 into the game.

However just like this team has done all season long, the Panthers bounced back with grit, determination and hard play to secure a 34-22 win over the Portagers for the school’s first regional championship trophy playing 8-man football.

C-S will take a 9-2 record into next weekend’s semifinal game at Portland St. Patrick (11-0), 51-16 winners over Kinde North Huron in Saturday's other Division 2 regional championship game. A date and time for next weekend's semifinal contest is expected to be announced Sunday.

Onekama, who completed the season with a 7-4 record, started the game on its own 49-yard line, enjoyed a 28-yard pickup to the Panther 23-yard line on a pass play, and scored the game’s first points three running plays later when Aaron Powers scored on a five-yard run with 10:28 left in the opening frame. The Portagers made the score 8-0 on the two-point conversion on a pass play.

C-S answered at the end of the quarter when Connor Gibson scored on a two-yard burst with 41 seconds left in the opening quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good and the visitors went into the second quarter enjoying an 8-6 lead.

    After the C-S defense, behind quarterback sacks by Braden Butler and Jackson Ling, forced Onekama to punt, the Panthers took the lead for good moments later when Jackson Lawrence scored on a one-yard run with 3:16 left in the second quarter. Ernesto Escobedo ran in the two-point conversion for a 14-8 C-S lead.

  The Panther defense continued to frustrate the Portagers, forcing the visitors to punt. Lawrence picked the punt up near the C-S 25 yard line and raced down the left sidelines 74 yards for a Panther touchdown, sending the home crowd into a frenzy with 1:30 left in the second quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, but C-S took a 20-8 lead into the locker room at halftime.

   The Panthers were able to enjoy some separation midway through the third quarter when Escobedo scored on an 11-yard run with 7:32 left in the stanza for a 26-8 lead. The two-point conversion attempt was good, bumping the lead to 28-8.

   The C-S defense once again stood tall when the Portagers drove down to the Panther 29-yard line and came close to scoring, however a fourth and nine pass completion near the goal line was caught out of bounds, giving the Panthers the ball back with 4:54 left in the third quarter.

   The Panthers could not muster any points out of the drive and were forced to punt.

  Onekama worked its way down field and pulled to within 28-14 when Matthew Mallison scored on a 10-yard run with 56.8 seconds left in the third frame. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, sending the Panthers into the final quarter with a 28-14 lead.

   Good blocking and hard running by the C-S backs helped the Panthers move down field and dent the end zone again at the 8:04 mark when Connor Gibson crossed the goal line on a two-yard run for a 34-14 lead. The two-point conversion was no good.

   Facing a 20-point deficit and time winding down, the desperate Portagers went to the air and pulled to within 34-20 when quarterback Taylor Bennett connected with Powers for a touchdown strike that covered six yards with 6:26 left in the game. Bennett completed a pass to Wade Sedlar on the two-point conversion, establishing the final score.

   Connor Gibson had 107 yards on 25 carries and Ernesto Escobedo (14 carries) and Jackson Lawrence (13 carries) each had 74 yards rushing.

   C-S outgained Onekama on the ground 279-136, but the Portagers had 165 yards through the air compared to C-S' 10 yards.

   Lawrence had 13 tackles and one interception, Butler had 11 tackles and one sack, Jackson Ling contributed nine tackles and one sack and Alexandro Rojas added eight tackles.

Panthers Capture First Playoff Win Playing 8-Man Football

C-S Tops Brethren 26-6

By Bruce Rolfe

In a season of firsts, the Climax-Scotts football team added another rather important memory by recording the first playoff win in 8-man football at C-S with a 26-6 win over Brethren at C-S High School Friday on a cold night.

The 8-2 Panthers will face the winner of Saturday’s game between Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (5-4) and Onekama (6-3) November 8 or 9 at C-S.

While the C-S ground game produced 334 yards, the defense came up with big plays all night, whether it was stopping the Bobcats on a fourth down play or coming up with a sack to slow down momentum.

The C-S defense established itself quickly, stopping Brethren’s opening drive on a fourth and nine play for the visitor’s 44-yard line.

The C-S offense quickly gave the home team some momentum when C-S senior Zach Kienast scored on a 14-yard run with 7:19 left in the first quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good.

The C-S defense once again came up big moments later, stopping a Brethren drive that reached the Panther 10-yard line before the home teams' defense stopped the visitors on a fourth and one from the Panther 10-yard line, sending C-S into the second quarter with a 6-0 lead.

C-S was able to stretch the lead to 12-0 on Zach Kienast’s 15-yard touchdown run at the 6:15 mark of the second quarter. Ernesto Escobedo ran in the two-point conversion, bumping the lead to 14-0.

 The Panther defense stopped the Bobcats a third straight time on a fourth down play, and moments later Connor Gibson found the end zone on a nice 15-yard run with 2:16 left in the second quarter for a 20-0 lead. The two-point conversion was no good.

Brethren, which completes the season 5-5, was able to take some momentum into the locker room at halftime with a late touchdown when Troy Macurio scored on a three-yard run with 35.9 seconds in the first half. The two-point conversion attempt was no good.

While Brethren was able to come up with some key pass completions, the Panther defense once again came up with big stops when they were needed.

Brethren was enjoying a third quarter drive to the C-S 32-yard line when Jackson Lawrence knocked down a pass on a fourth and eight play that gave the Panthers the ball back and allowed the home team to take a 20-6 lead into the final stanza.

 Connor Gibson closed out the scoring at the 7:23 mark of the fourth quarter when he scored on a one-yard burst up the middle for a 26-6 lead.

Braden Butler once again led the defensive unit with 14 tackles, Guillermo Escobedo and Jackson Lawrence each had 11 tackles and Blake Borden got through for three sacks to go along with six tackles.

Gibson’s 166 yard effort on 21 carries led the ground game and Zach Kienast added 66 yards on six carries.

The Panther defense allowed 117 yards passing but Brethren could manage just 48 yards on the ground against the tough C-S run defense.

C-S finished with 27 first downs to Brethren’s 19 first downs.

Martin Enjoys First Undefeated Regular Season In School History At C-S’ Expense

By Bruce Rolfe

Martin enjoyed its first regular season undefeated season in school history since 1950 according to Michigan-football.com Friday by capturing a 26-24 win over Climax-Scotts at Big Blue Stadium in Climax on senior-parent night.

     C-S senior football player moms added to the pre-game senior-parent festivities with a surprise flash-mob performance.

Martin completes the regular season with a 9-0 record, while C-S enters the playoffs with a 7-2 ledger.

In a playoff like atmosphere, both teams played each down with passion and energy, coming up with big plays.

Turnovers proved to be a factor in the game and the first costly turnover came on the fifth play of the game.

With C-S receiving the opening kickoff and moving near midfield, the Panthers fumbled and Martin’s Brayden Eckman picked up the loose pigskin and romped 49 yards for a quick Martin touchdown at the 9:44 mark of the opening quarter. The Clippers ran in the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

The Panthers put the disappointing early miscue behind them immediately when Jackson Lawrence returned the kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown. Gibson ran in the two-point conversion, knotting the contest at 8-8.

Martin responded quickly when Eckman found a big hole and raced up field, scoring on a third and one run that covered 43 yards with 6:50 left in the first quarter. The Two-point conversion failed, however the visitors took a 14-8 lead into the second quarter.

Another turnover. by C-S gave Martin even more momentum, however Braden Butler returned the favor when he intercepted a pass near the end of the second quarter.

The Panthers could not score and Martin quickly used its running attack to move into C-S territory and into the endzone.

The Clippers moved in front on a one-yard plunge by Cayden Curry with 6:27 left in the third quarter. The two-point conversion was no good, leaving the visitors in front 20-8.

The resilient Panthers have been a team that has bounced back often from adversity, and the home team rose to the occasion once again when Connor Gibson found a big hole his offensive line opened and ran 70 yards for a touchdown with 5:24 left in the second quarter. Ernesto Escobedo ran in the two-point conversion, pulling C-S to within 20-16.

C-S got the ball back late in the quarter and moved down to the Clipper 22-yard line, calling its final timeout of the half with 10.8 seconds left. A quarterback sack on the final play, ended C-S’ hopes of moving in front, and the home team settled for a 20-16 halftime deficit.

Martin appeared to seize some quick momentum when Karter Ribble broke free and raced 80-yards on the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown just 14 seconds into the third frame, however an unsportsmanlike penalty on the Clippers on the play left the visitors starting the second half on the C-S 37-yard line.

Martin moved down to the C-S 23-yard line, however C-S captured some momentum when Alex Rojas got through for a quarterback sack on a fourth and six play, giving C-S the ball on its own 34-yard line.

Two penalties and C-S’ potent running attack took the Panthers down to the Martin 15-yard line, but the home team could not complete the drive when Martin stopped C-S’ drive on a fourth and two play and the Clippers entered the fourth quarter with a 20-16 lead.

Martin went to the air to quickly move down field, scoring on the first play of the fourth quarter when Curry scored with 11:56 left in the game. The two-point conversion was no good, leaving the visitors in front 26-16.

A nice kick return left C-S in good field position at its own 45-yard line and the Panthers used their running game to quickly move into Martin territory.

The Panthers kept the drive going when Jackson Lawrence bulled his way for four yards on a fourth and two play, leaving C-S on the Clipper 27-yard line.

Two plays later Lawrence pulled C-S to within 26-22 on a 23-yard touchdown run with 6:46 left in the game. A Lawrence pass to Ernesto Escobedo on the two-point play pulled C-S to within 26-24.

Martin started on its own 46 yard line, but a 15-yard penalty pushed the Clippers back to the 33-yard line. C-S was within one stop of forcing the Clippers to relinquish the ball on a fourth down play for one final Panther chance to win the game, but the Clippers came up with two big plays.

Facing a fourth and 10 on its own 46-yard line, Martin quarterback Travis Thorne threw a perfect pass to Mitchell Jager on a play that covered 20 yards and a first down.

The Clippers ran the clock down, however a Thorne to Cayden Curry pass that covered 10 yards and put the visitors on the C-S 26-yard line was enough for another first down.

Martin ran out the clock and secured its first regular undefeated season in school history.

Connor Gibson finished with 132 yards on 14 carries to lead C-S’ ground game, which finished with 219 yards.

Martin finished with 160 yards rushing and 96 more passing.

Alexandro Rojas finished with 13 tackles and one sack, Blake Borden (one sack), Braden Butler and Lawrence each had 11 tackles, Guillermo Escobedo finished with 10 tackles and Jackson Ling had six tackles.

The Panthers will host the community playoff pizza party Sunday at the C-S Jr./Sr. cafetorium when the team learns who its first round playoff opponent will be. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Colon Thumps C-S For SCAA A Division Lead

42-0 Loss Is Worst Setback For C-S Since 2001

By Bruce Rolfe

Climax-Scotts has been on the winning side of many lop-sided games over the years, however Colon turned the tables and left the Panthers facing a wide-margin defeat Saturday in a re-scheduled game at C-S High School with a 42-0 win, spoiling C-S' homecoming.

  The game was scheduled to be played Friday night, however storms forced officials to postpone the game to Saturday morning at 11 a.m.

   The shutout loss marks the first time C-S has been blanked at home since 2014 (28-0 loss to Spring Lake). The wide-margin loss was C-S’ worst by margin of defeat since a 50-0 loss to Covert Oct. 5, 2001 according to Michigan-Football.com.

     Colon also enjoyed its first win over the Panthers since a 55-0 win over C-S in 1998, breaking a losing streak of 12 straight losses.

   Colon, now 5-0, moves to 2-0 in the S-Mich. A 8-man League while C-S drops its first game in five outings and is now 2-1 in the S-Mich. A 8-man league.

  Colon brought the whole package on both sides of the ball, especially frustrating C-S’ typical strong rushing attack.

   The Magi were sealing off holes quickly, consistently limiting the home team to short gains or losses throughout the afternoon.

  C-S was held to 119 yards, while Colon piled up 169 yards on the ground. Ernesto Escobedo led the Panthers with 43 yards on 11 carries.

  But the Magi were especially effective through the air, throwing for 151 yards, enjoying many large gains in the process.

   Braden Butler and Alex Rojas had five tackles each to pace the C-S defense, with Rojas recovering one fumble.

  Colon got on the scoreboard first on a 23-yard pass play from Phillip Alva to Jonathan West at the 8:55 mark. Austin Still kicked the extra point.

   The Magi took advantage of a C-S fumble, recovering the pigskin at the C-S 46-yard line and marching 46 yards on 10 plays, with Brandon Crawford completing the drive on a two-yard touchdown with 1:04 left in the first quarter (the extra point kick attempt failed) for a 13-0 lead after one quarter.

  The Magi took control in the second quarter, scoring four touchdowns.

  Crawford scored on a 35-yard run at the 10:28 mark (the two-point conversion failed); Alva scored on an 11-yard run with at the 6:20 mark (Alva passed to West on the two-point conversion; Crawford scored on a 13-yard run (West caught a pass from Alva) with 3:25 left in the half; and West scored on a 38-yard run with just 37.5 seconds left in the first half (Still kicked the extra point).

  C-S will travel to Tekonsha Friday at 7 p.m.


C-S Offense, Defense Comes Up Big In 34-22 Win Over Bellevue

By Bruce Rolfe

There were highlights on both sides of the ball Friday night for the Climax-Scotts varsity football team in a 34-22 win over Bellevue at Big Blue Stadium.

The offense once again had a strong night on the ground, but also enjoyed its first touchdown through the air.

While the defense gave up 183 yards rushing and 36 yards passing, the Panthers came up with a key pass interception late in the fourth quarter and fumble recovery in the third quarter that led to a C-S touchdown.

Connor Gibson scored three touchdowns (2 3-yard runs and a 53-yard run) and rushed for 223 yards on 27 carries, Jackson Lawrence scored one touchdown (29 yards) and Jace Ling caught a 12-yard touchdown pass. Gibson and Alex Rojas each scored on two-point conversions.

Ernesto Escobedo added 107 yards on 19 carries.

Bellevue jumped out to an 8-0 lead on a 24-yard touchdown run by Reece VanHoose with 9:50 left in the opening frame (Nick Hayward ran in the two-point conversion) before Gibson scored his first touchdown on a three-yard burst at the 5:53 mark of the first quarter. The two-point conversion was no good and the visitors took an 8-6 lead into the second quarter.

The Broncos bumped the lead to 16-6 on a four-yard touchdown run by Reece VanHoose and two-point conversion by VanHoose.

C-S responded with a three yard touchdown run by Gibson and the C-S senior ran in the two-point conversion, pulling the Panthers to within 16-14 a the 6:15 mark of the second quarter.

The Panthers, now 3-0, took the lead for good when Jackson Lawrence teamed up with Jace Ling, who was being pursued by three Bellevue players but the 6’5” junior was too tall and hauled in the pass near the back of the end zone with 54.1 seconds left in the first half for a 12-yard pass play. The touchdown strike was C-S’ first pass of the season.

The two-point conversion was no good, however C-S entered the locker room at halftime with a 20-16 lead.

Bellevue appeared to be in a position to establish some momentum when the Broncos completed a 20-yard pass on a third and 25 play, however a fumble on the play that was recovered by Braden Butler with 6:32 left in the third quarter ended the drive and gave C-S the ball on the visitor’s 32-yard line.

Two plays later Lawrence scored on a 29-yard run with 5:13 left in the third quarter. Alex Rojas ran in the two-point conversion for a 28-16 Panther lead.

Bellevue did not give up and came right back, scoring on a 39-yard run by VanHoose at the 3:45 mark. The two-point conversion was no good and C-S led by a 28-22 count after three quarters.

The Bellevue defense gave the visitors some momentum when the Broncos stopped C-S on the Bellevue eight-yard line on a fourth and four, however the Panther defense returned the favor, forcing the visitors to punt on a fourth and eight from the Bronco 23-yard line.

C-S seized the momentum when Gibson found a nice hole the offensive line created and scampered 53 yards with 3:14 left in the game for a 34-22 Panther lead. The two-point conversion was no good.

Bellevue came close to making the game a one-touchdown contest when the visitors drove to the C-S 30-yard line. However Zach Kienast came up with a big interception with a little over two minutes left in the game and the Panthers ran out the clock.

Braden Butler had 16 tackles, Geano Royle had 14 tackles, Blake Borden had 12 tackles, Jackson Ling had 11 tackles and Ernesto Escobedo had five stops.

C-S will play at Camden-Frontier Friday.


Offense Comes Alive For C-S In 48-34 Win Over Lawrence

By Bruce Rolfe

   The Climax-Scotts varsity football team moved to 2-0 with a 48-34 win over Lawrence in a return trip to the site where the Panthers lost their first playoff game in 1990.

   The last time C-S played at Lawrence was the 1990 Class D pre-regional game when Lawrence scored a late touchdown on a fluke play when a pass was deflected near the goal line and landed in the receiver’s hands who had fallen and was laying in the end zone.

    Alexandro Rojas (14 yards, 50 yards and 1 yard) led the way offensively for C-S with three touchdowns and 162 yards on 19 carries.

    Connor Gibson scored two touchdowns (61 yards and 82 yards) and amassed 200 yards on eight carries and Ernesto Escobedo (19 yards), who had 91 yards on 19 carries, and Zach Kienast (20 yards) each scored one touchdown.

  C-S totaled 470 yards rushing.

   Braden Butler had 10 tackles and Jace Ling had eight tackles and three quarterback sacks.

   C-S will host Bellevue Friday.

8-Man Football Launches On A Winning Note For C-S

Zach Kienast’s Two Fourth Quarter Interceptions Key In 16-12 Win

By Bruce Rolfe

The 8-man football era returned to Climax-Scotts on a winning note as the Panthers downed Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian 16-12 Friday at Big Blue Stadium before a large crowd who enjoyed a handful of surprises.

Fans were not only treated to the beginning of 8-man football for the first time since 1952, but they also enjoyed a fly over shortly after the Star Spangled Banner and a fireworks display at halftime.

While high scores can be a part of 8-man football, it was just like the good old days playing 11-man when C-S enjoyed many strong games on defense. Tri-Unity also enjoyed a strong game on the defensive side of the ball.

The visitors got on the scoreboard first on an 11-yard run by quarterback Jaden Ophoff with 7:32 left in the opening quarter. The Defenders were not successful on the two-point attempt.

C-S drove down to the Defender 25-yard line and appeared to score when Ernesto Escobedo broke loose for a 25-yard scamper but a holding penalty on C-S pushed the ball back to the Tri-Unity 35-yard line. 

 A fumble recovered by Tri-Unity on the Defender 45-yard line ended the Panther drive and allowed the visitors to enter the second quarter with a 6-0 lead.

The Defenders drove all the way down to the C-S one-yard line, however the Panther defense stiffened and did not allow the visitors to score.

A penalty pushed the visitors back to the 15-yard line and then C-S held the Defenders to just three yards on the next two plays. Another penalty on Tri-Unity put the visitors on the C-S 18-yard line and the Panthers stopped the Defenders on a fourth and 18 to get the ball back and seize the momentum.

A 42-yard run by Guillermo Escopedo set up C-S’ next score four plays later when Connor Gibson crossed the goal line on a two-yard run at the 3:27 mark to tie the contest.

Jackson Lawrence scored on the two-point conversion to give the home team an 8-6 lead.

Wyoming Tri-Unity stunned the large Panther crowd by racing back up field and scoring a touchdown by Colin DeKlyen on a 28-yard pass play with 36.8 seconds left in the first half. The two-point conversion was no good but the Defenders entered the locker room at halftime with a 12-8 lead.

C-S appeared to be in a good position to score by marching down to the Defender six-yard line but a penalty pushed the ball back to the 16-yard line. A nine-yard pickup by Lawrence on a fourth down play to the three fell short and the drive ended.

The tough C-S defense held Wyoming Tai-Unity to just two yards on its next series of downs and the Panthers got a big break when a short Defender punt left the Panther offense starting the drive on the Tri-Unity 18-yard line with 25.5 seconds left in the third quarter.

   A 14-yard pickup by Escobedo put C-S on the Defender four yard line and then Escobedo finished the drive with a four-yard run with 5.8 seconds left in the third quarter. Connor Gibson ran in the two-point conversion for a 16-12 C-S lead.

The Defenders moved down to the C-S 23-yard line but Zach Kienast came up with the first of two fourth quarter interceptions by taking the ball away from the Tri-Unity receiver who had lost control with 7:25 left in the game to end the visitor’s drive.

C-S managed one first down but had to punt, giving the Defenders a late chance to win the game.

The Panther defense once again stood tall, with Kienast coming up with his second interception near the Panther 32-yard line with 1:37 left in the game.

C-S then ran out the clock to enjoy its first win of the season and first win in the return of the eight-man football era.

Ernesto Escobedo had 87 yards on 18 carries to lead C-S' ground attack and Guillermo Escobedo added 55 yards on six carries.

C-S totaled 230 yards rushing compared to Tri-Unity’s 86 yards on the ground, however the visitors had 147 yards through the air.

Jace Ling had a big game defensively for C-S coming up with 10 tackles to to with two of five C-S quarterback sacks.

The Panthers will play at Lawrence next Friday.


Lady Panthers Play With No Fear But Fall Short To Undefeated Bellevue In District Opener

By Bruce Rolfe

   One of the messages Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball coach Josh Vick had for his team entering Wednesday’s district semifinal game against undefeated Bellevue was to have fun and play with no fear.

  C-S, certainly the underdogs against the No. 3 ranked Broncos, did not let their 20-0 regular season finish or two lopsided regular season losses to Bellevue intimidate them Wednesday, but still fell short 44-37.

  The Panthers, who finish the regular season 12-9, came out of the gate and played like a team on a mission of upsetting the undefeated Broncos, forcing turnovers, deflecting passes through the lane, coming up with a steal or hustling for loose balls and rebounds.

  The first half was entertaining up and down the court basketball, with both teams dropping in outside jumpers and making drives through the lane.

   C-S captured some early momentum when freshman Trista Willis dropped in a three-point basket at the buzzer to end the first quarter, sending the two teams into the second stanza tied at 14-14.

  The second quarter was entertaining as well. 

  After Bellevue crept out to a 21-16 lead, C-S came back on a basket by Willis, a basket inside by Dusty Perrin and a basket by Maddie Edwards inside to pull the Panthers to within 23-22 at halftime.

  Bellevue built a 29-24 lead with 3:44 left in the third quarter, but another late quarter comeback by the Panthers send the two teams into the final stanza tied at 29-29.

  Peyton Nabozny started the run with a basket on a drive through the lane, and moments later pulled C-S to within 29-27 by splitting a pair of free throws. Kariss Selby hit a basket at the buzzer to end the quarter, knotting the game at 29-29.

    The Lady Panthers stayed close most of the fourth quarter, however a Willis basket with 3:07 that brought C-S to within 38-35 was as close as C-S would get the rest of the way.

  The free throw line, where C-S was 5-14 and Bellevue was 15-29, was also a key.

  Perrin finished with nine points for C-S, Willis and Edwards each scored eight points and Nabozny chipped in with seven points. 

  Morgan Messenger scored 11 points to lead Bellevue.

   It was the final game for seniors Dusty Perrin, Peyton Nabozny, Ellie Tribbett and Becca Missler.

Lady Panthers Take Care Of Business Early

28-0 Start Fuels 48-15 Win Over Litchfield In Regular Season Finale

By Bruce Rolfe

  A huge start, ignited by defensive pressure that led to many easy transition baskets, helped the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team to a 48-15 SCAA win over Litchfield Thursday in the regular season finale at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

  C-S, which finishes the regular season with a 12-8 overall record and 10-7 in the SCAA, raced out to a 28-0 lead after one quarter.

   C-S held Litchfield without a field goal the entire first half, with the Terriors finally scoring their first point at the 4:56 mark on a free throw.

   C-S closed out the stanza with a 7-0 run to take a 38-1 halftime lead.

  With a running clock most of the second half, Litchfield finally scored its first basket from the floor at the 3:53 mark of the third quarter when Summer Knight drilled a three-point basket for a 41-4 deficit.

  C-S enjoyed a 41-6 lead after three quarters.   

Senior Peyton Nabozny, who knocked down four three-point baskets, led C-S with 16 points. Senior Ellie Tribbett added 13 points and Trista Willis, who connected on a pair of three-point baskets, finished with 10 points.

  The Lady Panthers drew an opening round bye when district play begins next week and will play the winner of the Bellevue-St. Phil game March 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Athens.


Lady Panthers Pin 43-27 Setback On Colon In Carol Vick Memorial Game

By Bruce Rolfe

  The Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team capped a very special evening with a 43-27 win over Colon Friday in the Carol Vick Memorial game at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

    The event, named after C-S girls varsity basketball coach Josh Vick’s mother, who was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 1995 when he was 15 years old and died six years later after she was told she would live six months, benefits members of the C-S and Colon communities who are battling cancer, commemorates those who have lost their lives to cancer, and provides information to prevent future lives from being taken by cancer.

  This year C-S raised funds for Jammie Woods, a 2010 C-S alumni who last year at this time was beginning treatment to battle Stage 4 nasopharyngeal cancer. Vick said in May, Jammie learned that the treatments had worked and she was cancer free. The C-S coach adds in October at her 6th month check-up, Jammie learned she is still cancer free. 

   Colon is raising funds for former wrestling coach Jamie Palmer when the two schools meet again at Colon February 18.

The win over the Magi improves C-S’ record to 8-1 overall and 6-1 in the SCAA.

  A basket by Maddie Edwards with 1:06 left in the opening quarter gave C-S a 9-6 lead after one quarter.

   C-S used strong defense in the second quarter to bump the lead into double digits at halftime, 24-11 and the Panthers continued the strong play in the second half, taking a 37-21 lead into the fourth quarter.

   Peyton Nabozny led C-S with 11 points, Maddie Edwards scored nine points and Ellie Tribbett chipped in with eight points.

  C-S will play a 6:30 game at Burr Oak Tuesday.


Panthers Find Way To Hold Off Colts

Panthers Hold Off Hillsdale Academy 40-34

By Bruce Rolfe

   After racking up 85 points Monday in a win over Burr Oak, the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team struggled offensively Thursday but still found a way to defeat Hillsdale Academy 40-34 at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

   C-S, now 7-3 overall and 6-3 in the SCAA, was led by Aiden Brady's 14 points and Cole Eshuis’ 12 points, however the score dropped down to four points apiece from Josiah Kenney and Zach Kienast.

   C-S has now won four in a row.

  Both teams struggled with floor shooting, connecting on 26 percent of its floor attempts.

   The Panthers, who led by a 23-17 count at halftime, were held scoreless in the third quarter and found themselves trailing 25-23 after three quarters.

   But some key free throws in the fourth quarter by Eshuis and Kienast helped C-S seal the game.

   Kienast bagged two free throws with 29.7 seconds left to stretch a 34-30 lead to 36-30 and Eshuis, who was 6-for-10 at the charity stripe in the fourth quarter, answered a pair of free throws by Hillsdale Academy’s Jacob Krutsch to give C-S a 38-32 lead with 21.3 seconds left.

   Eshuis split a pair of free throws with 12.7 seconds left to move C-S in front 39-32, however the Colts pulled to within 39-34 on a basket by Krutsch with seven second left.

   Eshuis then split a pair of free throws to establish the final score.

  C-S led by an 11-9 count after one quarter.

  C-S will be idle until a January 17 road game at Athens.

 

Balanced Effort Leads To 85-45 Win For Panthers

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team packaged together many qualities a coach is looking for to register an 85-45 SCAA win over Burr Oak Monday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

C-S Coach Kenny Sattler saw his team pass the ball well, go to the basket aggressively, play strong defense that included deflecting balls and blocking shots, and rebound well.

C-S, winners of its last three games, improves to 6-3 overall and 5-3 in the SCAA while Burr Oak drops to 2-6 overall and 2-5 in the conference.

While the Panthers had been off since December 27, the team started the new calendar year aggressively, taking the ball to the rim consistently and finding the open man cutting to the rim in the first quarter.

C-S led by a 15-7 count after one quarter but really stepped up its play in the second stanza when the team outscored the visitors 21-12 for a 36-19 halftime lead.

A double digit lead didn’t stop the Panthers from playing hard in the second half and many of the same key ingredients that helped the home team to a comfortable halftime lead surfaced throughout the second half.

Cole Eshuis was the recipient of a handful of nice passes that resulted in two baskets driving to the rim and two more free throws after he was fouled on a drive.

Eshuis closed the stanza with two free throws, giving his team a 60-39 lead after three quarters.

C-S continued the potent inside-outside attack early in the fourth quarter to run off 17 straight points and open up a 77-39 lead, highlighted by 10 points by Josiah Kenney.

Eshuis finished with a game-high 29 points, Kenney scored 25 points and Brady chipped in with 14 points.

C-S will host Hillsdale Academy (2-6 and 2-4) January 10.


Lady Panthers Hold Off Tigers 48-39

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team held off a fourth quarter Lawrence rally to claim a 48-39 non-league win over the Tigers Thursday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The Panthers, now 6-1, watched the Tigers battle back from a 35-20 deficit after three quarters to 43-37 with 1:56 left in the game, but held on.

Breauna Everdeen split a pair of free throws with 1:46 left.

Ellie Tribbett connected on a big basket down low with 1:09 left to extend the C-S lead to 46-37 and Trista Willis scored with 38 seconds left before Lawrence scored with 10 seconds left for the final score.

The pesky Tigers played C-S even in the first quarter, trailing 8-7, but C-S was able to enjoy some separation in the second quarter with pressure defense that forced a handful of turnovers, resulting in fast break baskets at the other end.

The Panthers opened the stanza with a 13-0 run for a 21-7 lead at the 4:48 mark, highlighted by a triple by Peyton Nabozny and two fast break baskets by Willis.

C-S settled for a 22-17 halftime lead.

The Panthers came out strong in the third quarter, putting together a 10-1 run that gave the home team a 32-18 lead at the 3:16 mark.

Madison Edwards and Trista Willis each finished with 12 points and Peyton Nabozny scored 10 points.

Maryah Vasquez led Lawrence with 12 points.

C-S will play at Battle Creek St. Phil January 8.

Double Overtime Loss For Lady Rams Stings

Delton Outscores G-A 10-4 In Second Extra Session

By Bruce Rolfe

   For a few moments it looked as if the Galesburg-Augusta girls varsity basketball team might sneak out a win in regulation, but Delton’s inside game forced overtime and ultimately was a key in securing a 52-46 win in double overtime Friday at G-A High School.

  G-A falls to 4-3 overall with the setback.

  Delton’s Alexandria Parsons, who was an inside rebounding and scoring threat the entire game and finished with 26 points, took over in the second overtime, scoring eight of Delton’s 10 points, all inside.

 The first overtime was tight, however G-A never led.

   Delton was clinging to a 42-40 on a free throw with 39.1 seconds left when Sam Verburg connected on a drive through the lane with 22.6 seconds left, knotting the contest at 42-42 that sent the contest into double overtime.

  The two teams finished regulation tied at 37-37.

 G-A, sparked by six points from Sam Verburg and three-point baskets from Lauryn Coleman and Jordyn Klimp, got off to a good start, moving in front 16-9 after one quarter.

   Delton started to get its inside game going, with Parsons’ seven points leading the way, helping the visitors to a 21-20 halftime lead.

   The third quarter was close as well, with Delton taking a 31-24 advantage into the fourth quarter.

   Verburg finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for G-A, Klimp, who had four steals, joined Lauryn Coleman with nine points apiece.

   G-A will return to action Monday at home against Kalamazoo Christian in a make up contest.


   

Fast Start Fuels C-S Boys Basketball Teams' 64-28 Win

By Bruce Rolfe

An aggressive Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team turned up the defensive pressure early and went to the basket often in a big first quarter, setting the tone in a 64-28 non-league win over Lawrence Thursday at C-S Jr. High School.

C-S, now 5-3, moved in front 12-4 at the 2:52 mark of the opening quarter, forcing the Tigers to call a time out.

The Panthers continued the strong play, closing out the stanza with a 9-2 run for a 21-6 lead after one quarter.

C-S did not let up in the second quarter and continued to go strong to the basket, enjoying three baskets down low off aggressive drives and five free throws off fouls following drives through the lane.

Two free throws by Cole Eshuis with 2.3 seconds left in the second quarter gave the home team a 38-13 lead at halftime.

The Panthers remained focused in the second half, pulling in front 53-23 at the end of three quarters.

C-S started the fourth quarter strong with baskets by Eshuis and Aiden Brady to move in front 57-23.

A basket by Garrett Young with 54.8 seconds left gave C-S its largest lead of the game, 64-26.

Eshuis finished with 20 points, Young and Aiden Brady each scored 11 points, Jake Lane chipped in with 10 points and Josiah Kenney added eight points.

C-S will be idle until a January 7 home game against Burr Oak.

A Happy Homecoming For Climax-Scotts

Panthers Break Out With Explosive 62-20 Win Over Adrian Lenawee Christian

By Bruce Rolfe

   Eager to end a three-game losing streak with a strong performance in front of their fans in the only home game of the regular season, the Climax-Scotts varsity football team accomplished that goal in convincing fashion with a 62-20 win over No. 3 ranked and previously undefeated Adrian Lenawee Christian (5-1) Friday on homecoming night at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

  The Panthers, now 2-3, kept their playoff hopes alive by using an impressive rushing attack that saw the team pile up 481 yards on the ground on a rainy night.

   C-S struck quickly, scoring on its first drive of the game when Brock Borden snuck into the end zone from three yards out just 3:05 into the game at the 8:55 mark. Borden also ran in the two-point conversion.

   The C-S defense stood tall, holding the Cougars without a first down and C-S had the ball again at its own 30-yard line.

  The Panther drive was close to stalling when the home team faced a fourth and three situation from the Cougar 47-yard line but Borden found a nice hole created by the offensive line and motored ahead seven yards for the first down.

  Moments later Borden entered the end zone on a five-yard burst at the 2:20 mark, giving C-S a 14-0 lead. The C-S senior also ran in the two-point conversion, bumping the lead to 16-0.

  The Cougars’ frustration continued when Sabdiel Escobedo intercepted a pass and returned the ball to the C-S 47-yard line with 2:03 left in the opening frame, which ended with the Panthers in front 16-0.

  Cole Eshuis completed the drive when he scored on a three-yard run just four seconds into the second quarter. Jake Lane ran in the two-point conversion for a 24-0 lead.

   Adrian Lenawee Christian came storming back when quarterback Adam Baker connected with Hutson Hohibein on a 61-yard pass play at the 10:33 mark. The extra point kick pulled the visitors to within 24-7.

  C-S quickly responded when Brock Borden bulled his way across the goal line from one yard out with 6:18 left in the first quarter and Eshuis scored on the two-point conversion for a 32-7 Panther lead.

   Leanne Christian enjoyed a drive to the C-S 10-yard line, however Cole Eshuis ended the threat when he came up with an interception near the goal line and returned the ball to the Cougar 46-yard line.

  The Panthers could not score, however the team enjoyed a 32-7 halftime lead.

  The Cougars opened the second half with a successful drive that was culminated by a nine-yard run by Baker with 9:11 left in the third quarter. A successful extra point kick made the score 32-14.

  The Panthers came charging back when Cole Eshuis found a huge hole created by the offensive line on a fourth and seven play and he romped 56 yards for a touchdown with 6:53 left in the third quarter. Borden ran in the two-point conversion, bumping C-S’ lead to 40-14.

  The Courgars pulled to within 40-20 when Baker connected with Hohlbein on a 11-yard pass play with 3:34 left in the third quarter. The extra point attempt missed the mark and C-S moved into the fourth quarter with a 40-20 lead.

  The Panther offensive onslaught continued when Luke Mobley scored on a three-yard run just 38 seconds into the final frame. Escobedo ran in the two-point conversion, giving C-S a 48-20 advantage.

  Desperate for points, Lenawee Christian picked up its passing game and Jordan Tutt ended a Cougar drive when he picked off a pass and returned the ball 40 yards to the Adrian 15-yard line.

  Senior Hunter Majeur got the call three plays later and scored from the four-yard line at the 9:28 mark. Escobedo ran in the two-point conversion expanding C-S’ lead to 56-20 for a running clock scenario the rest of the game.

   A Cougar fumble gave C-S the ball on the Lenawee Christian 38-yard line and moments later David Arnett scored on a one-yard run with 4:35 left in the game. The two-point conversion attempt failed but C-S enjoyed a 62-20 lead, keeping the visitors off the scoreboard the rest of the game.

   Eshuis enjoyed a very strong game with 200 yards rushing on 12 carries to go along with five tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception. Mobley finished with 84 yards on 14 carries and Borden had 68 yards on 13 carries.  

   Mejeur had seven tackles and one sack and Jason Myers added seven tackles.

  Lenawee Christian finished with 295 yards on the ground and 128 yards passing.

    C-S will attempt to even its record Friday in a road game at Athens.

Panthers Drop 17-16 Heartbreaker At Pittsford

By Bruce Rolfe

   The Climax-Scotts varsity football team saw its record fall to 1-3 after the Panthers suffered a heart breaking 17-16 setback at Pittsford Saturday afternoon.

     C-S, losers of three straight, falls to 1-3, while the Division 8 No. 1 ranked Wildcats improve to 5-0.

The last time C-S has dropped three straight regular season games was 2001.

   These two SCAA rivals, who were meeting for the last time in a regular season game playing 11-man football, have clashed in some memorable games over the years, but Saturday’s contest will go down as right near the top of the list.

       After a scoreless first quarter Pittsford struck first when Wildcat senior Jake Burger threaded a pass to Lucas McGraw for a touchdown on a 57-yard pass play at the 6:55 mark of the second quarter. McGraw kicked the extra point.

  The Panthers came storming back when Luke Mobley finished an 86-yard, 15-play drive that used 6:37 with a two-yard burst with just 13 seconds left in the first half. Jake Lane ran in the two-point conversion, sending C-S into the locker room at halftime with momentum and an 8-7 lead.

  A blocked punt by Pittsford gave the home team the ball on the Panther 17-yard line with 9:36 left in the third quarter, setting up the only score of the stanza.

  The Panther defense stood tall, holding the home team without a first down.

   Pittsford settled for a field goal when McGraw split the uprights on a 30-yard field goal with 8:07 left in the third quarter for a 10-8 Wildcat lead after three quarters.

    C-S got some momentum back when Johnny Hunter intercepted a pass and returned it to the Pittsford 23-yard line with 1:10 left in the third quarter, setting up the Panthers’ next touchdown.

   On a third and nine play from the Wildcat 13-yard line, C-S senior quarterback Jake Lane completed a key pass to Brock Borden to the Pittsford 2-yard line.

  One play later Sabdiel Escobedo crossed the goal line from one yard out at the 9:22 mark of the fourth quarter, giving C-S a 14-10 lead. Jake Lane scored on the two-point conversion for a 16-10 Panther advantage.

  Pittsford came storming back, using its passing game to move down field quickly.

  A Burger to McGraw pass that covered 50 yards put the home team on the C-S 13-yard line. Two plays later Burger connected with McGraw again on a touchdown strike, this time on an nine-yard pass play at the 6:30 mark of the fourth quarter for a 16-16 tie.

   McGraw’s extra point kick proved to be the game winner.

  C-S made a spirited come back attempt, however a completed pass rom Lane to Eshuis that covered approximately 30 yards and put the Panthers near the Pittsford 21 yard line, was called back because of an illegal receiver down field.

  C-S could not get a first down and the Wildcats took over possession, running out the clock.

  C-S, which managed 114 yards rushing, was led by Luke Mobley’s 54 yards on 14 carries. Cole Eshuis caught five passes for 51 yards.

  Pittsford finished with 53 yards rushing and 116 yards passing.

Hunter Mejeur and Cooper Simmons each finished with six tackles.

  C-S finally enjoys its first and only home game of the regular season Friday against Adrian Lenawee Christian on homecoming and senior-parent night.


 

Quick Start, Defense Lifts Panthers To 26-0 Win Over Martin In Season Opener

By Bruce Rolfe

  A quick start and strong defense throughout the game helped the Climax-Scotts varsity football team to a 26-0 win over Martin Thursday in the season opener and first game played at Martin’s new football field.

After the C-S defense came up with three straight negative yardage plays, the visitors entered the scoring column on the next play when Cole Eshuis returned the Martin punt 65 yards for a touchdown at the 9:40 mark of the opening frame. Brock Borden ran in the two-point conversion for a 8-0 C-S lead after one quarter.

Eshuis, who piled up 226 yards on 22 carries, crossed the goal line again with 3:22 left in the first half on a seven-yard run. The two-point conversion was no good.

The Panther defense held Martin on a fourth and 11 play from the Panther 40-yard line and ran out the clock in the second frame for a 14-0 halftime lead.

Borden scored a touchdown from five yards out with 8:18 left in the third quarter however the two-point conversion was no good.

The Panthers enjoyed some separation with just 14 seconds left in the stanza when Luke Mobley broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run for the final score after the two-point conversion failed.

Mobley finished with 81 yards on nine carries.

The C-S defense, which came up with two interceptions (Jordan Tutt and Luke Mobley) and one fumble recovery (Brock Borden), was led by Borden’s eight tackles while Jake Lane, Hunter Mejeur and Cooper Simmons each added seven tackles.

C-S will travel to Sand Creek August 30.

TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR

MICHIGAN STATE HIGH SCHOOL CLAY TARGET LEAGUE 2018 SEASON

Michigan  –  In a tie, Dan Platte of Portland High School and Gavin Wirth of Reed City High School are sharing top individual honors in the Michigan State High School Clay Target League's (MISHSCTL) 2018 spring season, which wrapped up competition on May 26th.  The two athletes led the field to earn the trophy for the highest overall average in the League. They’ll each also share the award for top male average overall.

Hannah Doyle of Lake Fenton High School earned top female average honors.

Overall, 42 athletes and 14 teams will take home individual and conference awards.

 “We are proud to congratulate all of the award winners for their success this year.” said Jim Sable, President of the MISHSCTL, “They have really worked hard to get where they are, and we look forward to seeing them at the State Tournament.”

Upon completion of the Spring League, all student athletes are invited to participate in individual and team competitions at the 2017 State Tournament. The event is scheduled for June 16th at the MTA grounds in Mason, MI.

The Michigan State High School Clay Target League is an affiliate of the USA High School Clay Target League, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The League is an independent provider of shooting sports as an extracurricular co-ed and adaptive activity for high schools and students in grades 6 through 12. The organization’s priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship – in that order. Each student is required to pass a comprehensive firearm safety education course prior to participation.

Nationwide, over 26,000 students representing over 800 school-approved teams participated in the League during the 2017-18 school year.

For more information visit http://miclaytarget.com | http://usaclaytarget.com

Contact: John Nelson at 612-490-1388 |Email: jnelson@miclaytarget.com

 

 

Please find the complete list of awards and standings online:

 

http://miclaytarget.com/2018/05/27/2018-spring-league-results-awards/



2018 Spring League Results & Awards!


Awards will be handed out at the State Tournament.

Thank you coaches, schools, parents and gun clubs for helping introduce more students to shootings sports!

See below for conference award listings.  Reserve Week scores are used in the event of ties.


Season Average Male


Tyler Sands

Vicksburg High School

3

23.50

42



TEAM AWARDS - CONFERENCE


Team Name

Place

Week 1 Points

Week 2 Points

Week 3 Points

Week 4 Points

Week 5 Points

Total Points


Vicksburg High School 

                        2

                                   2769         2490.5. 2731.5. 2592.5 2869.5.   13453

Panthers Drop 63-59 Heartbreaker To Athens

By Bruce Rolfe

   Looking for four quarters of playing hard, Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball coach Kenny Sattler certainly got the type of effort he was hoping for but the Panthers still fell short Tuesday in a makeup game against Athens, 63-59 at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

  The Panthers, now 6-13, hope to close out the regular season on a positive note at Tekonsha Thursday.

  Tuesday’s game was an entertaining contest, with many lead changes and momentum swings. 

  Athens started strong, pulling out to a 19-9 lead after one quarter but the Panthers responded with a very impressive second quarter to take a 29-27 lead into the locker room at halftime.

  Neither team would let the other pull away in the second half.

   C-S’ biggest lead in the third quarter was four points twice at 35-31 and 38-34 and Athens enjoyed one four point lead at 44-41.

   The Panthers pulled to within 44-43 at the end of three quarters on Jake Lane’s drive through the lane with 26.8 seconds left.

   The fourth quarter was filled with tension with six lead changes and three ties.

   Athens tied the game at 56-56 with 1:04 left on a pair of free throws by Ben Korn and the Indians took the lead for good moments later off a C-S turnover. 

   Andrew Oswalt split a pair of free throws to give the visitors a 59-56 lead with 25 seconds left, but a basket down low by Jake Lane with 15.1 seconds left pulled C-S to within 59-58.

   Two free throws by Korn with 12.6 seconds left gave Athens a 61-58 lead but C-S stayed alive when Eshuis split a pair of free throws for a 61-59 deficit with 11.1 seconds left.

   C-S was forced to foul with 10.1 seconds left and Oswalt hit two clutch free throws to put his team in front 63-59.

   C-S turned the ball over at the other end as the clock expired.

   Cole Eshuis led C-S with 19 points and Brock Borden and Jake Lane each added 14 points.

Lady Panthers Close Out Regular Season Strong

C-S Downs St. Phil 40-34

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team will enter the post season with plenty of momentum after surprising Athens last Tuesday, downing Litchfield the following night and then defeating SCAA rival Battle Creek St. Phil, 40-34 Friday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The Lady Panthers enter next Wednesday’s district opener against Martin in the second game of a doubleheader at C-S with a 13-7 overall record.

C-S started slow, managing just six points in the opening stanza for a 6-4 lead after one.

C-S picked the offensive pace up some in the second quarter, pulling in front 18-10 on a basket by Peyton Nabozny with 2:28 left in the first half.

St. Phil closed the quarter strong, pulling to within 18-14 at halftime on a three-point bomb why Abbie Lahr.

C-S enjoyed an eight point lead (24-16) with 4:49 left in the third quarter on Sara Gray’s basket, but the pesky Tigers pulled to within 24-20 with 2:32 left in the stanza.

C-S finished strong however, ending the quarter with an 8-2 run for a 32-22 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

St. Phil would not fade, pulling to within 38-32 with 54 seconds left, but Nabozny sank two big free throws with 17.5 seconds left to put C-S ahead 39-34 and ice the game, although the visitors did score one more basket with 10.5 seconds left to pull to within 39-34.

Megan Macomber led C-S with eight points and Cali Lawrence, Baylee Willis and Nabozny each added seven points.

C-S Comeback Falls Short


By Bruce Rolfe

   Trailing by 20 points with under four minutes left, the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team made a brilliant comeback only to fall short 62-51 Monday in a non-league battle against Union City at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

   C-S falls to 6-11 with the setback.

   The Panthers trailed by a 51-30 mark with 7:08 left in the game and by 20 points (56-36) with 3:45 left, however the comeback started soon after.

   Cole Eshuis, who scored 23 points, led the fourth quarter comeback with 10 points in the stanza.

   A  free throw by Eshuis with 3:21 left followed by an offensive stick back by Zach Kienast off an Eshuis missed free throw at the 3:18 mark left C-S trailing 56-39.

   C-S turned up the defense and converted two straight baskets off of Union City turnovers and scored on another possession after the visitors missed at the other end to slice the deficit to 56-47 with 1:27 left in the game.

   Union City split a pair of free throws with 1:17 left to restore the double digit lead (57-47), however a three-point basket by Josiah Kenny with 1:07 left brought the home team to within 57-50.

   Eshuis split a pair of free throws with 51.8 seconds left to pull C-S to within 57-51, however that was as close as the Panthers could get.

   C-S had a chance to cut the deficit to four points but missed a three-point attempt with 34.1 seconds left.

   The Chargers salted the game away by sinking five-of-six free throws over the final 31.4 seconds.

   Turn overs hurt C-S in the opening frame, as the home team committed 10 miscues, allowing Union City to pull out to an 11-6 lead after one quarter.

   C-S battled hard in the second frame, pulling to within 17-15 on a pair of free throws by Cole Eshuis with 4:02 left, however the Chargers closed the quarter with an 8-0 run to nab a 28-15 halftime lead.

   Union City enjoyed a strong third quarter, while C-S struggled to get in a groove, due mainly from six turnovers in the stanza.

   The Chargers entered the final stanza with a 46-27 lead.

   Josiah Kenny and Jake Lane each added eight points for C-S.

   Sophomore Larsen Kever and Blade Garden led the Chargers with 16 points apiece.

   C-S will host Battle Creek St. Philip Friday on Senior-parent night.


Lady Panthers Bring Energy On Special Night

Panthers Down Colon 55-27 On Carol Vick Night Benefitting Former C-S Paraprofessional 

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team brought plenty of energy on a night that focused on cancer awareness and benefitted a former C-S paraprofessional battling cancer.

The Carol Vick Memorial game between C-S and Colon ended with the Lady Panthers on top 55-27, but the two teams came together, along with the team members from both boys varsity squads to show unity in the fight against cancer in the middle of the floor in between the two games for a picture.

The two teams held a similar ceremony at Colon when they played each other in December.

Carol Vick night, a new tradition at C-S not only remembers the late mother of C-S girls varsity basketball coach Josh Vick, but also serves as a Cancer Awareness event that recognized two individuals with connections to Colon and Climax-Scotts who are fighting cancer.

Jody Jackson, a former Special Education paraprofessional at C-S who was diagnosed with melanoma, and Megan Cloister, a mother of six, school-aged children in the Colon Community diagnosed with stage 2B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, were both recognized in between the C-S-Colon girls and boys basketball games.

And at halftime of the boys game there was a little fun, as players from the C-S girls basketball team had the opportunity to smash cream pies in the faces of the C-S girls basketball coaching staff and C-S teachers.

The Lady Panthers improved to 10-6 overall and 9-4 in the SCAA with the win.

C-S, behind Baylee Willis’ six points and good defense, took a 16-9 lead after one quarter.

Colon closed to within 19-13 at the 3:54 mark of the second quarter, however C-S scored the next nine points for a 28-13 lead, settling for a 28-15 cushion at halftime.

C-S kept the defensive pressure on in the third quarter when Megan Macomber converted two straight Colon turnovers into baskets for a 39-17 lead with 3:36 left in the stanza.

A three-point bomb by Willis with 0.1 seconds left in the quarter sent C-S into the fourth quarter with a 44-21 lead.

C-S didn't let up in the fourth quarter, taking its largest lead of the game with 1:38 left when Ellie Tribbett scored a basket down low for a 55-25 lead.

 Baylee Willis led C-S with 15 points, Megan Macomber scored 10 points, Cali Lawrence chipped in with nine points and Payton Nabozny and Sara Gray each scored seven points.

C-S will host Bellevue Friday on Winterfest night.


C-S Pulls Away From Waldron With Strong Second Half

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak with a 61-39 SCAA win over Waldron Friday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School on Hall of Fame night.

Delmur John Munson, Tara Burgett, Chad Borden, Scott Stuck and Kara (Graham) Scudder and Julie (Langs) Tiller were inducted into the C-S Athletic Hall of Fame at halftime of the boys’ game.

C-S led Waldron 27-18 at halftime but started the second half struggling from the floor and the visitors pulled to within 27-24 with 5:24 left in the third quarter.

The Panthers finally scored their first basket at the 3:56 mark of the third quarter on a three-point bomb by Josiah Kenny for a 30-24 C-S lead and the home team finished strong, pulling out to a 43-32 lead after three quarters.

C-S closed out Waldron with strong defensive play in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Spartans 18-7 in the stanza.

C-S led by a 16-8 count after one quarter.

Cole Eshuis led C-S with 22 points and nine steals and Jake Lane scored 19 points.

C-S will host Marshall Academy February 6.


4th Quarter Free Throws Fuels Camden-Frontier Comeback

Panthers Fall 64-57

By Bruce Rolfe

After coming out and playing with passion for the first half and carrying those intensity levels into the second half that saw the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team pull out a 15-point lead in the third quarter, the Panthers could not stop a determined Camden-Frontier effort in the fourth quarter in a 64-57 setback at C-S Jr./Sr. High School Tuesday.

C-S, now 4-8, will try to snap a four-game losing skid Friday at home against Waldron on Hall of Fame night.

Camden-Frontier moves to 13-3 with the win.

C-S enjoyed a 40-32 lead at the 2:56 mark of the third quarter on a Brock Borden baseline drive, however Camden-Frontier scored eight straight points before C-S settled for a 42-40 lead at the end of three quarters.

Camden-Frontier, which outscored C-S 24-15 in the fourth quarter, capitalized on 16 trips to the free throw line by dropping in 14 of those attempts. The Redskins were 20-for-22 for the game.

C-S led by a 55-50 margin when Brock Borden scored with 2:42 left.

Camden-Frontier continued to push and finally caught the Panthers when Brennen McNeil split a pair of free throws to knot the game at 55-55 with 1:50 left.

The Redskins took the lead for good when Trey Follis sank a pair of free throws with 1:48 left.

The two teams traded baskets, but a basket by McNeil down low with 40 seconds left gave the visitors a 61-57 lead.

The Panthers missed two attempts at the other end and Camden-Frontier salted the game away by hitting three of four free throws over the final 15.6 seconds.

Camden-Frontier led by a 9-7 count after one quarter, but C-S enjoyed a very strong second quarter, racing out to a 31-21 lead at halftime.

Cole Eshuis enjoyed an all around strong performance, pouring in 27 points to go along with six assists, eight rebounds, four steals and a 6-for-6 effort at the free throw line. Borden added 10 points and Jake Lane scored nine points.

Follis led Camden-Frontier with 19 points, McNeil scored 18 points and Randy Lawson III added 10 points.

G-A’s Rebounding, Quickness Too Much For C-S

Three Rams Score In Double Figures In 65-40 Victory

By Bruce Rolfe

After reaching the midway point of the regular season holding on for a 40-37 win over Delton-Kellogg last Friday, the Galesburg-Augusta boys basketball team was looking to start the second half by taking their game to another level and the team did just that by registering a convincing 65-40 win over Climax-Scotts at C-S Jr./Sr. High School Tuesday.

The 7-4 Rams will try to make it three-straight wins Friday at home against Constantine while the Panthers, now 4-6, will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak at Battle Creek St. Philip Friday.

G-A came out strong, racing out to a 16-0 lead behind a pressing defense that led to five turnovers and eight points off the miscues.

The Rams were also strong under the boards in the game, totaling 37 rebounds, including 18 at the offensive end.

G-A settled for an 18-4 lead after one quarter and continued to enjoy second and third opportunities under the boards and a handful of drives through the lane in the second frame, helping the visitors to a 37-16 halftime lead.

G-A took charge in the third quarter, enjoying fast break baskets, easy baskets off of steals, and drives through the lane, leading to a 52-20 lead after three quarters.

Austyn Dunn was a dominating force inside, pouring in 19 points to go along with eight rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal, Trevor Patterson scored 14 points and handed out nine assists, Abner Snyder scored 13 points and had five steals and Matthew Wilkerson pulled down 13 rebounds.

Brock Borden scored 11 points and Jace Ling added 10 points for C-S.

G-A Foreign exchange student Niels Note scored his first varsity points in the fourth quarter, drawing a huge applause from the G-A crowd.


Pittsford Rolls Lady Panthers 59-21

By Bruce Rolfe

Pittsford may have graduated several key players from last year’s Class D State championship team, but the Wildcats are still a team to take seriously, and the defending SCAA champions showed why Friday in a 59-21 win over the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team.

C-S stumbled with some basic fundamentals most of the game like boxing out under the boards, free throws, where the team was just 7-for-19, and turnovers.

That fueled Pittsford’s quick start, as the visitors raced out to an 8-0 lead after one quarter after C-S turned the ball over seven times in the opening frame.

The Lady Panthers finally got on the scoreboard at the 6:13 of the second quarter mark when Cali Lawrence split a pair of free trows for a 15-1 deficit.

Baylee Willis scored C-S’ first basket from the floor when she came up with a steal and raced in for a layup with 5:18 left in the second quarter.

Pittsford settled for a 30-7 lead at halftime.

The Lady Panthers played better in the third quarter, but still trailed by a 49-13 count entering the fourth quarter.

C-S was led by Ellie Tribbett’s five points.

C-S, now 2-2, will play at Union City Monday.

 

This One Wasn’t Very Pretty

Panthers Slammed By Athens, 84-46

By Bruce Rolfe

After beginning the new season with an impressive 62-58 overtime win over North Adams-Jerome behind inspired play, the Climax-Scotts varsity boys basketball team saw the roles reversed in an 84-46 setback at Athens Monday.

Right from the opening tip, Athens played with passion at both ends of the floor, resulting in a quick double digit lead C-S never recovered from.

The energy that was present in the season opener certainly was lacking at Athens and the Panthers seemed frustrated right from the start.

Athens swarmed the ball often, forcing seven C-S turnovers in the first quarter and 30 miscues for the game.

The large number of turnovers and Athens’ rebounding advantage under the boards led to numerous fast break opportunities and easy baskets underneath for the home team.

Athens raced out to a 12-0 lead before Jake Lane finally scored C-S’ first points on a basket down low at the 4:50 mark of the first quarter.

The Indians kept the pressure on and enjoyed a 27-11 lead after one quarter.

A basket by Zach Kienast just 36 seconds into the second quarter pulled C-S to within 29-13, but Athens stayed in control the rest of the quarter, pulling out to a 43-23 lead at halftime.

Athens continued to put pressure on C-S ball handlers in the third quarter, leading to hurried shots and more turnovers.

A basket by Benjamin Korn with 26.4 seconds left in the third quarter gave Athens its largest lead of the third quarter, 64-31, however C-S ended the stanza with a flurry, forcing two straight turnovers near the end of the quarter that were turned into baskets by Kienast and Sabdiel Escobedo for a 64-35 deficit at the end of three quarters.

The relentless Indians started the fourth quarter with a 12-3 flurry to move in front 76-38 at the 4:50 mark.

Escobedo led C-S in scoring with 13 points, Cole Eshuis added 10 points and three rebounds and Kienast contributed seven points.

C-S will try to get back into the win column Thursday at Pittsford.


Lady Panthers Can’t Overcome Slow Start

Suffer First Loss Of Season At Athens 41-26

By Bruce Rolfe

A slow start, influenced by Athens’ tough interior defense, led to a 41-26 setback for the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team Friday at Athens.

C-S, now 2-1, scored the first points of the game on a basket by Peyton Nabozny with 7:23 left in the first quarter for the Panthers’ only lead of the game, but the offense went cold for the rest of the half.

C-S missed its next six shots and turned the ball over five times in the stanza, trailing by an 8-2 count after one quarter.

The cold shooting spilled into the second quarter when the Lady Panthers failed to connect on any of their seven tries from the floor, managing just two free throws by Cali Lawrence with 5.9 seconds left in the first half for a 15-4 deficit at halftime.

With an emphasis of taking more shots if players were open, C-S came out inspired in the third quarter. It looked briefly like the offense would perk up when Cali Lawrence and Baylee Willis hit back to back three-point baskets for a 20-10 deficit. However the Lady Panthers struggled under the boards and could not find the basket the rest of the quarter, settling for two free throws by Lawrence for a 31-12 deficit after three quarters.

While the Lady Panthers did not give up down the stretch, Athens enjoyed strong rebounding in the fourth quarter, scoring points down low including one off an offensive rebound.

Willis led C-S in scoring with 12 points and Lawrence pitched in with eight points.

Athens (15-31) outscored C-S (5-14) at the free throw line 15-5.

The Lady Panthers will be off until Friday in a home game against Pittsford.


Lady Panthers Advance To District Championship Match Thursday

Will Face Colon At Martin

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts volleyball team advanced to the district championship match by defeating Martin in three sets Wednesday, 25-16, 25-8, 26-24 in a district semifinal match at Martin.

C-S will face SCAA rival Colon in the district championship match Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Martin. Colon defeated Howardsville Christian in three games to move into the district championship match.

After moving through the first two sets rather briskly, the Panthers found it difficult to put the Clippers away in the third set, falling behind quickly before coming from a 23-22 deficit to score the final three points to pull out the win.

Martin jumped out to a 5-1 lead, but a block by Sarah Gray started a C-S comeback.

The Panthers were able to pull to within 7-4 on a kill by Gray, but Martin regrouped to pull out to an 11-4 lead.

C-S finally tied the game at 12-12 on a Martin hitting error, but the Clippers enjoyed a 19-14 lead moments later on a C-S hitting error.

The Lady Panthers mounted a comeback, scoring four straight points to pull to within 19-18. 

The two teams traded points before a Maria Soule tip tied the game at 20-20 and the Panthers took their first lead at 21-20 on the next serve.

Martin was on the verge of closing out the win my taking a 24-22 lead, but a Soule tip pulled the Panthers to within 24-23.

C-S tied the score at 24-24, Soule gave the Panthers a 25-24 lead with a kill and a double hit call on Martin ended the game and the match.

The two teams battled in the first game, however C-S finally pulled away midway through the contest by scoring the next seven points for a 21-13 lead.

Martin pulled to within 22-16 on a serve error, however C-S registered the next three points to close out the game.

Martin took its only lead of the second game on the first serve of the game, but C-S reeled off 11 straight points to move in front 11-1.

Martin pulled to within six points (12-6), but that was as close as the Clippers would get.


Lady Panthers Soar Into District Semifinals

C-S Takes Heritage Christian In 3 Games; Face Martin Wednesday

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts volleyball team have focused on each game or tournament at hand during the regular season, but there’s been a burning drive to return to the district championship match and an equally high level of passion to win the district championship trophy.

The Lady Panthers took the first step with an impressive win in three games (25-4, 25-20, 25-16) over Heritage Christian Monday in the district quarterfinal match at Martin.

C-S will face Martin Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the second semifinal match. Colon, winners over Burr Oak in three games, will play Howardsville Christian at 5:30 p.m. in the other semifinal match. A win Wednesday would send the Panthers into the district championship match Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

With a goal of getting off to a strong start, the Lady Panthers moved in front 4-0.

The Panthers remained focused and avoided lapses the rest of the way for a lopsided win in the opener.

Heritage Christian pulled to within 11-4, however C-S reeled off the next 14 points with Cali Lawrence serving.

Heritage Christian was much more competitive in the second match, moving in front 7-4, and 11-10 before C-S came storming back.

The Panthers scored the next five points to enjoy a 15-11 lead.

Heritage Christian pulled to within 19-18 but that was as close as the Eagles would get, as the Panthers closed the match with a 6-2 run.

C-S was in full attack mode in the third match, moving in front 4-0, 13-5 and 16-7, but struggled a little to close out the Eagles near the end. After trailing 20-11, Heritage Christian pulled to within 22-14 before C-S closed out the match.


One For The Record Books

Panthers Explode For 84-62 Win Over Fulton-Middleton In Playoff Opener

By Bruce Rolfe

Playoff games can produce some great memories.

But Climax-Scotts coach Kevin Langs feels what transpired at Climax-Scotts High School between the host Panthers and Fulton-Middleon in the pre-district game is one most on hand to witness the game, will never forget.

The Panthers exploded for an 84-62 over the Pirates in a game that featured two C-S school records, one state record and nearly a second state record.

The two teams'  combined score of 146 points eclipses the 139 points Birmingham Groves (80) and Royal Oak (59) put up on the score board on Oct. 5, 2012.

The 84 points is a new C-S school record, edging out the 1977 C-S football team that defeated Burr Oak 83-6 on Oct. 14, 1977.

Langs said the 717 rushing yards C-S piled up is a school record, but he wasn’t certain after the game what the previous school record was for rushing yards in a game. 

The Panthers’ 717 yards rushing was also just short of the state record for rushing yards in a game by one team at 755 yards, set by Zeeland West in a game against Holland Christian on September 28, 2012.

C-S, now 8-2, will have a rematch against SCAA rival Pittsford (9-1) in the district championship game next Friday or Saturday at Pittsford. Pittsford handed C-S a 28-14 loss October 13 to win the SCAA title and end C-S’ title run at eight as well as end an 11-game winning streak C-S had against the Wildcats.

Fulton-Middleton closes out the season with a 7-3 record.

C-S’ potent ground game was led by Zach Tullis’ 275 yards on 14 carries. The Panther senior, who twisted his ankle just 45 seconds into the fourth quarter and sat out the rest of the game, also scored three touchdowns. Nathan Vickery, who scored two touchdowns, added 209 yards on 13 carries and James Behlke contributed 171 yards on eight carries with three touchdowns. Cole Eshuis scored two touchdowns and Sabdiel Escobedo and Dylan Butler each added one touchdown.

Tullis scored a pair of two-point conversions and Vickery, Eshuis, Escobedo and Zach Sleeman each scored one two-point conversion.

There were about as many big plays in this game than some teams have in an entire season.

Both teams seemed to be able to score at will, with the Pirates moving on top 21-14 after three quarters.

C-S was able to take some momentum into the locker room at halftime when Vickery broke loose for a 34-yard touchdown with 1:02 left in the second quarter for a 35-34 Fulton-Middleton lead at halftime.

Fulton-Middleton nearly stole the momentum back with a drive to the Panther 25-yard line, but with 23 seconds left, the Panther defense got through to push the visitors back two years and then the Pirates threw an incomplete pass on a fourth and six play.

The second half was just as wild with both teams combining for 49 points.

The Panthers enjoyed some separation in the third quarter by scoring four touchdowns for a 62-49 lead entering the final stanza.

John Baker’s touchdown with 6:05 left in the third quarter followed by a successful two-point run tied the score at 42-42.

But Behlke immediately broke loose for a 65-yard scamper at the 5:50 mark, giving C-S the lead for good, 48-42. Tullis followed with a two-point conversion score.

Behlke’s 29-yard run and Tullis’ 59-yard run sandwiched around a Zach Andrews to Andrew Barton touchdown pass play that covered 48 yards sent C-S into the fourth quarter with a 62-49 lead.

The fourth quarter was just as thrilling, with the two teams trading touchdowns for a 68-55 Panther lead with 6:06 left in the game.

Escobedo extended C-S’ lead to 74-55 with a four-yard touchdown run at the 4:40 mark (Cole Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion) and then Eshuis scored on a 22-yard touchdown run with 3:55 left in the game for an 82-55 lead.

The only drama that was left was the two-point conversion was needed to set a new school record for points in a game.

Vickery took the hand off, pounded his way through and crossed the goal line for the final score and new school record.

The Pirates closed the scoring on a 15-yard touchdown run by Baker with 35 seconds left in the game and a successful extra point kick by Austin Avery.

Eshuis finished with 14 tackles, Behlke had 12 tackles, Jake Lane had 11 stops and Dylan Butler added seven tackles.

Panthers End Regular Season With Momentum

C-S Scores 47 Unanswered Points In 53-7 Win Over Athens

By Bruce Rolfe

It didn’t take Climax-Scotts long to shake off a disappointing 28-14 loss to Pittsford in a battle last Friday for the SCAA title.

The Panthers will take some momentum into the postseason after registering a 53-7 SCAA win over Athens Friday in the regular season finale at Athens.

The Panthers, who complete the regular season 7-2, will learn who their first round playoff opponent is Sunday at the playoff pizza party at C-S Jr./Sr. High School at 5:45 p.m.

Athens is on the bubble for a postseason birth with a 5-4 record.

The Panthers struck first on Dylan Butler’s 7-yard touchdown run with 8:19 left in the first quarter, but Athens took a brief 7-6 lead moments later at the 5:36 mark of the opening frame on a 21-yard touchdown run by Andrew Oswalt and successful extra point kick by Oswalt.

C-S recaptured the lead for good when Zach Tullis scored on a four-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds left in the first quarter. Brock Borden’s two-point conversion run sent C-S into the second stanza with a 14-7 lead.

A 28-yard pass from Dylan Butler to Zach Tullis and successful two-point run by Luke Mobley sent C-S into halftime with a 22-7 lead.

C-S exploded for three touchdowns in the third quarter.

L.J. Behlke bulled his way over from two yards out (the two-point conversion was no good) with 9:05 left in the third quarter, Dylan Butler had a sweet 29-yard touchdown run at the 4:54 mark (the two-point conversion attempt was no good), and Behlke broke loose for a 59-yard scamper with 2:02 left in the third quarter (the extra point kick attempt was no good), sending C-S into the fourth quarter with a 40-7 lead.

Cole Eshuis scored C-S’ final two touchdowns from both sides of the ball.

The talented C-S junior first scored on a seven-yard run with 9:19 left in the game (the two-point conversion was no good) and then he intercepted a pass and returned the pigskin 36 yards for C-S’ final touchdown of the contest. Cylis Piper’s extra point kick established the final score.

C-S, which finished with 402 yards on the ground, was led by Butler’s 116 yards on eight carries, while Behlke contributed 95 yards on 10 carries.

Butler completed four passes for 76 yards.

Jake Lane had nine tackles and one fumble recovery, Cole Eshuis had six stops and one interception, and Butler, Behlke and Cooper Simmons each had one fumble recovery.

Athens finished with 107 yards rushing and 45 yards passing.

C-S was penalized 8 times for 60 yards, while Athens was flagged 5 times for 40 yards.

 


Pittsford Ends C-S’ SCAA Title Run At 8 With 28-14 Win


By Bruce Rolfe

   A handful of Climax-Scotts’ eight straight SCAA championships have come at the expense of Pittsford in key late season games.

   The role was reversed Friday night at Big Blue Stadium as the Wildcats marched into Climax and handed the Panthers a 28-14 setback on senior night, in another pivotal SCAA battle.

   Both teams were undefeated in league play entering the contest and the win clinched the SCAA title for the Wildcats. With the loss, C-S, now 6-2 and 2-1 in the league, saw its string of eight straight SCAA championships end.

   The Wildcats, now 7-1 overall and 4-0 in SCAA play, used a big second quarter to enjoy some separation and held off a Panther rally in the third quarter.

   After the C-S offense failed to generate a first down on its first series of downs, the Pittsford offense went to work quickly, scoring on a 16-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Jake Burger to Lucas McGraw at the 9:13 mark. McGraw’s extra point kick gave the visitors a quick 7-0 lead.

   A 20-yard pick up by Zach Tullis on C-S’ first play from scrimmage following Pittsford’s touchdown seemed to give the Panthers some momentum, but the Wildcats’ Jesse Clement came up with an interception, giving the visitors the ball on their own 39-yard line with 7:17 left in the opening frame.

   The Panther defense rose to the occasion and pushed Pittsford back four yards on two consecutive negative running plays. Pittsford was forced to punt two plays later and the Panthers scored their first touchdown when Nathan Vickery broke loose for a 24-yard run at the 2:18 mark of the opening quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good and C-S trailed 7-6 after one quarter.

   Pittsford shocked the large C-S crowd by scoring three touchdowns in the second quarter.

   A nice kick return to the C-S 30-yard line set up Pittsford’s second touchdown.

   Five plays later Burger plowed over from the two-yard line just two seconds into the second quarter for a 13-6 Wildcat lead. McGraw kicked the extra point.

Justice Geletzke scored on a 27-yard touchdown run with 7:08 left in the second quarter and McGraw kicked the extra point, widening Pittsford’s lead to 21-6.

   The Pittsford defense really stepped up on C-S’ next series of downs, stopping the home team on a third and two for a one yard loss, forcing the Panthers to punt.

   The Wildcats followed with a 65-yard drive that was capped by Geletzke’s five-yard touchdown run with 37 seconds left in the first half. McGraw’s extra point kick gave the visitors a 28-6 halftime lead.

   As expected, C-S came out in the second half with plenty of motivation.

   The Panthers quickly forced Pittsford to punt and Vickery capped a 65-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run with 4:17 left in the third quarter. The drive was highlighted by a 27-yard pass reception by Zach Tullis from Dylan Butler. Cole Eshuis ran in the two-point attempt, pulling C-S to within 28-14.

  The fired up Panthers got the ball back a short time later in good field position when the defense held the Wildcats to just one yard, forcing the visitors to punt. The punt was a short one, giving C-S the ball on its own 48-yard line.

   The Panthers entered the fourth quarter trailing 28-14, and were near mid-field when the Pittsford defense stole the home teams’ momentum by stopping C-S on a fourth and four play from the Panther 48-yard line for just a three-yard gain.

   Pittsford was content on keeping the ball on the ground, running valuable time off the clock in the process.

   C-S’ final chance to pull closer was futile, as a penalty and Pittsford’s tough defense stopped C-S at its own 43-yard line on an incomplete pass on a 4th and 13 play.

    Vickery had 104 yards on 15 carries and Tullis picked up 100 yards on 15 carries for C-S, which totaled 251 yards on the ground. The Panthers added another 27 yards in the air.

   Pittsford finished with 250 yards in offense on 170 yards rushing and 80 yards passing.

   James Behlke led the Panthers with eight tackles, Jake Lane finished with six stops and Dylan Peck and Cole Eshuis each had five tackles.

    C-S was penalized six times for 35 yards and Pittsford drew two flags for 10 yards.

   The Panthers will close out the regular season at Athens Friday.

Panthers Overwhelm Athens 52-15


C-S Moves To 4-1


By Bruce Rolfe

  Athens enjoyed some early momentum by scoring the first touchdown, but Climax-Scotts responded with a huge offensive outburst the rest of the way and went on for a 52-15 win over the Indians at C-S Jr./Sr. High School on homecoming night.

   The 52 points equals the season high in points scored for the Panthers, who also scored 52 in a win over Sand Creek in week No. 2 (52-21).

   C-S tried to catch Athens off guard by opening with a short squib kick that the visitors recovered in good field position.

   Moments later Daniel Jacobs got the Indians on the scoreboard with a one-yard touchdown run at the 7:15 mark of the first quarter. Job Hall kicked the extra point for a quick 7-0 Athens lead.

   C-S, now 4-1, retaliated just under a minute later when James Behlke found a big hole and zoomed 83 yards for a touchdown with 6:16 left in the first quarter. The two-point attempt was no good.

   The big play once again bit Athens, as Luke Mobley raced through a nice hole created by the offensive line and out ran a host of Athens players to the goal line at the 1:45 mark for a 53-yard touchdown run. Vickery ran in the two-point conversion, giving C-S a 14-7 lead after one quarter.

   Senior Zach Tulles scored on runs of 38 yards (at the 8:10 mark) and five yards (with 2:27 left in the second quarter) producing a 26-7 C-S lead. A successful two-point conversion run by Sabdiel Escobedo following Tullis’ second touchdown bumped C-S’ lead to 28-7

   Athens appeared to seize some momentum heading into the locker room at halftme when Cody Richardson completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Oswalt with just seven seconds left in the half. Richardson ran in the two-point conversion, pulling Athens to within 28-15.

   With just a few seconds to work with, C-S completed the first of just two passes all night when Dylan Butler hooked up with Tullis on a beautiful pass play that covered 42 yards on the final play of the first half. Vickery ran in the two-point conversion for a 36-6 C-S lead at halftime.

   C-S’ other pass of the game also turned into a touchdown, as Butler teamed up with Brock Borden on a 65-yard touchdown strike at the 10:13 mark of the third quarter. Vickery ran in the two-point conversion, increasing the Panther lead to 44-15.

   Vickery then scored on a one-yard run with 2:21 left in the third quarter and Luke Mobley ran in the two-point conversion for the final score.

   A real crowd pleaser came late in the game when offensive lineman Nyime Chaib got the call as a ball carrier. The big offensive lineman pulled a host of Athens players towards the goal line but had the ball stripped out of his hands and Athens recovered the fumble. 

   C-S amassed 444 yards on the ground and 107 yards passing.

   Athens totaled 107 yards rushing and 79 yards passing.

   Behlke finished with 133 yards on 10 carries, Tullis carried the ball nine times and picked up 91 yards, Mobley added 89 yards on two carries and Vickery churned out 55 yards on seven carries.

   Behlke also had a strong night on the defensive side of the football with 10 tackles and Cooper Simmons had eight tackles.

   Oswalt led Athens with 38 yards on nine carries.

   C-S will travel to Adrian Lenawee Christian Friday.

C-S Opens SCAA Schedule With 36-0 Win Over Colon

Panthers Move To 3-1 Behind Second Half Intensity

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Climax-Scotts football team opened SCAA league play impressively with a 36-0 win over Colon on the road Friday on Hall of Fame night at Colon where the 1967 baseball team was inducted into the Colon High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
   The win gives C-S a 3-1 record entering next Friday’s home game against Athens on homecoming night.
   The upset minded Magi frustrated the C-S offense at times in the first half, but C-S managed to move in front 14-0 at halftime.
   But the Panthers made some adjustments and picked up their intensity in the second half, pulling away with a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter for a 30-0 lead entering the final quarter.
   C-S got on the scoreboard at the 5:54 mark of the first quarter when Nathan Vickery crossed the goal line from three yards out, however the two-point conversion attempt failed.
   The tough C-S defense held Colon to just one first down on the Magi’s next possession and the Panthers entered the second quarter leading 6-0.
   A Dylan Butler to Brock Borden pass covering 15 yards set up C-S’ next score in the second quarter when Zach Tullis followed the completion moments later with a 33-yard scamper for a 12-0 C-S lead at the 10:57 mark. Vickery ran in the two-point conversion, sending C-S into the locker room at halftime with a 14-0 lead.
   Tullis, who enjoyed a very strong first half with 91 yards on eight carries in the first half, did not play the second half because of an upper body injury.
   The Magi, now 1-3, tried an onside kick to open the second half, but the alert Panthers pounced on the pigskin and started with the ball near mid-field.
   After C-S slowly moved up field, Vickery then bumped the Panther lead to 20-0 with a four-yard touchdown run with 7:16 left in the third quarter. Cole Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion, increasing the lead to 22-0.
   The tough C-S defense would not let Colon generate any momentum offensively and forced the home team to punt.
   On a third and 15 play, Vickery got a nice block from the offensive line and zoomed 43 yards for a touchdown with 1:08 left in the third quarter. Sabdiel Escobedo ran in the two-point conversion for a 30-0 Panther lead entering the fourth quarter.
   Escobedo closed out the scoring on a one-yard plunge with 3:55 left in the game. The two-point conversion failed.
   In an effort to avoid the shutout, Colon quickly moved the ball up field and got to the C-S 20-yard line, but Vickery came up with an interception on the last play of the game.
   Vickery finished with 92 yards on 11 carries and Tullis had 91 yards.
  As a team the Panthers racked up up 373 yards on the ground and 68 more yards passing.
   Colon finished with 54 yards rushing and 160 yards passing, however Jake Lane had two interceptions and Vickery came up with one pick.
   James Behlke led the team with nine tackles and Lane had six.

 

C-S Enjoys Strong Bounce Back Game Win Over Sand Creek

Offense Explodes In 52-21 Win Over Aggies

By Bruce Rolfe

After struggling offensively in a 35-6 season opening loss to Michigan Center last Friday, the Climax-Scotts varsity football team bounced back in a big way Thursday with a 52-21 non-league victory over Sand Creek at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The Panthers, who managed to rush for 164 yards in the season opener, saw the young offensive line begin to show some growth Thursday, opening up many holes that led the way to a 375-yard rushing night for C-S.

Zach Tullis led the way with three touchdowns and 127 yards on 11 carries and Nathan Vickery added 122 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.

While the C-S offense was impressive, the defense also sparkled, ending four Sand Creek drives on fourth down stops.

The 1-1 Panthers got on the scoreboard first when senior quarterback Dylan Butler completed a pass to Zach Tullis covering 12 yards with 1:22 left in the opening frame. The two-point conversion failed, but C-S entered the second quarter with a 6-0 lead.

C-S increased the lead to 12-0 when Butler scored on a four-yard quarterback keeper at the 7:17 mark and then Tullis ran in the two-point conversion for a 14-0 C-S lead.

Sand Creek got on the scoreboard with 1:34 left in the first half when Payton Woodard scored on a four-yard burst, however the two-point conversion failed for a 14-6 C-S lead at halftime.

The Panther offensive line really came to life in the third quarter, opening up big holes that led to multiple big yardage pickups by C-S backs.

Tullis broke loose for a 45-yard touchdown just 21 seconds into the third quarter for a 20-6 lead. The two-point conversion failed.

Sand Creek retaliated at the 9:10 mark on a one-yard touchdown run by Woodard and Travis Carson kicked the extra point to pull the visitors within 20-13.

With the Aggies just a few plays from gaining momentum, one of the key plays in the game came moments later when Butler converted a fourth and four with an eight-yard pickup to keep a C-S drive alive.

Two plays after Tullis broke free for 33 yard scamper, Vickery got the call and scored on a one-yard run with 5:37 left in the third quarter. Cole Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion for a 28-13 C-S lead.

The Panther defense stopped Sand Creek on a fourth and two play near mid-field, and moments later Vickery was back in the end zone on a 41-yard run with 1:20 left in the stanza. The two-point conversion failed but C-S entered the final quarter enjoying a 34-13 lead.

Sand Creek came storming back early in the fourth quarter with a six-yard touchdown by Noah Benge just 58 seconds into the fourth quarter. Carson Scroggie crossed the goal line on the two-point conversion, pulling the Aggies to within 34-21.

Sand Creek, now 1-1, appeared to put itself in position to generate some more momentum when the Aggress recovered a fumble near mid-field with 9:49 left in the game, but C-S returned the favor moments later when the home team pounced on a loose ball on the Panther 48-yard line with 9:07 left in the game.

Perhaps the turning point of the game came moments later when Sand Creek was on the verge of getting the ball back, putting C-S in a fourth and five situation. But Tullis broke free and motored 32 yards for a touchdown with 6:40 left in the game, extending the Panthers’ lead to 40-21. The two-point conversion attempt was no good.

The Panther defense once again made sure Sand Creek would not mount a late comeback when Brock Borden got through with a teammate and stopped an Aggie ball carrier in the backfield for a loss on a fourth and one play, giving C-S the ball on the visitors’ 46-yard line.

Jordan Tutt then gave his team some separation by breaking loose on a 33-yard touchdown run with 1:25 left for a 46-21 lead. The two-point conversion attempt was no good.

Despite having a wide-margin lead, the defense played hard right to the end. Dylan Peck tackled the Sand Creek quarterback who pitched the ball an Aggie running back and the back dropped the ball. Cole Eshuis picked up the loose pigskin and ran 60 yards for a touchdown for the final score.

Jake Lane led the defense with 10 tackles and Brock Borden added six. Luke Mobley added one sack and one fumble recovery and Butler and Eshuis each had one fumble recovery.

C-S will travel to University Liggett September 9 at 2 p.m.

   Cole Eshuis cuts up field during action Friday against Michigan Center. (Photo by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent). Purchase without the water marks by calling the Crescent at 746-4331.

Panthers Can’t Slow Down Michigan Center

C-S Drops 35-6 Decision

By Bruce Rolfe

Season openers typically bring a lot of energy, but Michigan Center had a little extra motivation in the 2017 lid lifter at C-S High School Friday night.

The Panthers put it to the Cardinals in last year’s season opener at Michigan Center, 48-14, and the visitors were eager to return the favor Friday.

Michigan Center, a Class B school this year with an enrollment of 419 students, possessed speed, a solid passing attack, and a defense that frustrated C-S often in a rare season opening 35-6 loss for the Panthers.

The opening night loss was the first time C-S has dropped a season opener since the 2002 28-26 setback to North Adams-Jerome.

Michigan Center, a Class B school this year with an enrollment of 419 students, possessed speed, a solid passing attack, and a defense that frustrated C-S often.

The Panthers, typically a strong rushing team, could not break off the big yardage runs consistently like the team has done in the past against the tough Michigan Center defense.

Overall, C-S finished with 164 yards on the ground and only attempted one pass that fell incomplete.

Michigan Center rolled up 223 yards on the ground and another 121 yards in the air.

C-S began the game with an onside kick attempt that Michigan Center recovered, beginning the game in good field position.

A 12-yard pass play that put the Cardinals on the C-S eight-yard line, followed by a seven-yard run, left the visitors knocking on the door at the C-S one-yard line.

Jake Nichols finished the drive with a one-yard run up the middle at the 7:24 mark and Bryan Williams kicked the extra point for a quick 7-0 lead.

C-S’ running immediately encountered frustration, coming up with two straight negative rushes that put the home team on its own 15 yard line.

Pinned deep in its own territory, C-S tried to surprise the Cardinals with a quick kick that gave the visitors the ball on their own 40 yard line.

C-S played strong defense the rest of the quarter and settled for a 7-0 deficit after one quarter.

The Michigan Center offensive line opened up a big hole on the first play of the second quarter and Hunter Horsch ran 21 yards for a touchdown at the 11:28 mark. Williams kicked the extra point for a 14-0 Cardinal lead.

C-S tried to generate some momentum when Zach Tullis’ 10-yard run on a third and five play put the Panthers on the Cardinal 38-yard line, but three plays later the Panthers fumbled, giving the visitors the ball on their own 43-yard line with 8:25 left in the game.

Cardinal quarterback Jake Nichols then hooked up with Horsch on a long pass play that covered 37 yards, putting the visitors on the C-S 20-yard line.

Brady Roe finished the drive on the next play, romping over the goal line from 20 yards out at the 7:07 mark for a 20-0 lead. Williams’ kick made the score 21-0.

A big run by Nathan Vickery that covered 72 yards brought some life into the home team and then Zach Tullis completed the drive with a four-yard touchdown run with 6:26 left in the second quarter.

The two-point conversion attempt was no good, but C-S pulled to within 21-6.

Michigan Center came right back, combining its running game with its lone pass of the series which proved to be a key 22-yard strike from Nichols to Dawson Brown that put the visitors on the C-S two-yard line.

Nichols finished the drive with a two-yard burst for a 27-6 lead with 3:27 left in the game and then Williams kicked the extra point to send his team into the locker room at halftime with a 28-6 advantage.

A nice kick return by Tullis to open the second half put C-S on its own 40-yard line, but the Cardinal defense stiffened after allowing one first down on the drive and the Panthers were forced to punt.

Moments later Horsch found a big hole and ran 64 yards for a touchdown at the 6:53 mark for a 34-6 Cardinal lead. Williams kicked the extra point for a 35-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

C-S mounted a drive in the fourth quarter that wound up on the Michigan Center 37-yard line, but the Cardinals stopped the Panthers on a fourth and one play with a negative one loss on a run to take over possession.

C-S tried to generate some momentum heading into next week by driving to the Cardinal 41-yard line, but a fumble recovered by the visitors ended the threat.

Vickery finished with 120 yards on 12 carries to lead C-S’ rushing attack.

Jake Lane’s seven tackles led C-S on the defensive side of the ball and Jason Myers added six.

C-S will host Class C Sand Creek next Thursday, August 31 at 7 p.m.

Panther Comeback Falls Short

Marshall Academy Hangs On For 62-52 Win In District Championship Game

By Bruce Rolfe
   While the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team faced a 12-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, Panther coach Steve Critchlow said he could see a look of determination in his teams’ eyes and sensed they had a come back in them.
   He was right but the Panthers fell short in Friday’s district championship game, dropping a 62-52 decision to a quick Marshall Academy at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.
   C-S finishes the season with a 12-11 record.
   Cole Eshuis, with 13 points, and Nathan Vickery, with eight points, led a second half comeback for C-S.
   C-S used strong defense to slowly chip away at the Griffons’ lead, pulling to four points twice late in the fourth quarter.
   A Jake Lane basket with 3:36 left in the game pulled C-S to within 54-50 and Cole Eshuis’ basket with 1:46 left brought C-S to within 56-52.
   Marshall Academy scored a big basket moments later, but C-S still had a chance, however two straight misses by the Panthers kept the deficit at six points with under one minute left in the game.
   Marshall Academy went on to split a pair of free throws on two possessions and scored another basket in the final few seconds.
   Marshall Academy used its quickness and balanced scoring to move in front 18-13 at the end of one quarter.
   C-S actually led by a 5-0 count early before the Griffons found success driving the lane, knocking down shots from the outside and rebounding.
   Four different Griffons scored in the first quarter.
   The Griffons frustrated C-S with strong defense and good rebounding that limited C-S to just one attempt many trips down the floor in the second quarter.
    A 3-point basket by Nathan Vickery with 5:44 left in the first half pulled C-S to within 26-14, but Marshall Academy scored 11 out of the next 13 points to move in front 35-18 at the 3:35 mark.
   A pair of free throws by Cole Eshuis with 22.8 seconds left created a 38-24 deficit for C-S at halftime.
   A basket by Cole Eshuis and three-point basket by Tyler Warner sandwiched around a basket by Mykel Warren pulled C-S to within 48-36 after three quarters.
   Eshuis finished with 20 points and Vickery had 12 points.
   T.J. Showers led Marshall Academy with 14 points.

C-S Holds On For 67-64 Win Over Tekonsha

Host Coldwater Pansophia Wednesday In District Semifinal

By Bruce Rolfe

There were some tense moments at the end of the game, but the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team held on for a 67-64 win over Tekonsha Monday in the district opener at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

C-S, now 11-10 overall, will play Coldwater Pansophia in Wednesday’s second semifinal game at approximately 7:30 p.m. at C-S High School. Marshall Academy and Athens square off in the first game Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

C-S relied heavily on the three-point basket, knocking down 13 triples in the game.

Cole Eshuis led the way with a career high seven triples on the way to a career high tying 28 points. Eshuis also scored 28 points and knocked down six three-point baskets in C-S’ final regular season game at Litchfield last week.

Riley Boomershine knotted the game at 60-60 with a triple at the 3:19 mark of the fourth quarter and then Eshuis sank three straight free throws with 2:56 left to put C-S ahead for good.

Tekonsha pulled to within 63-62 with a pair of free throws with 2:11 left in the game, but Eshuis scored a big basket with 1:26 left for a 65-62 lead.

The Indians pulled to within one point again with 25.9 seconds left on a pair of free throws, but Nathan Vickery restored the three-point advantage with a pair free throws with 22.9 seconds left..

Tekonsha had one final shot to tie the game after picking off a rebound on Andy Galliers’ missed free throw with 4.3 seconds left, but Anthony Layne’s three-point try missed the mark as time expired.

Boomershine finished with 12 points, and Vickery had nine points.


Lady Panthers’ Season Comes To An End

Strong Defense Helps Athens To 11th Straight District Championship

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts girls’ varsity basketball team could never get on track and the frustrations continued throughout the game in a 44-23 loss to Athens Friday in the district championship game at Athens High School.

C-S ends the season with a 13-9 record, while Athens, winners of 11 straight district championships, moves into Tuesday’s regionals.

Athens used strong defense throughout the game to frustrate the Lady Panthers, causing turnovers and plugging up the lane to slow down C-S’ inside attack.

Athens led by a 15-8 count after one quarter and 26-12 at halftime.

The Indians stepped up their defense even more in the third quarter, holding C-S to just a pair of Brenna Tutt baskets for a 34-16 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Tutt finished with 11 points to lead C-S in scoring.


Panthers Enjoy Strong Bounce Back Game 

C-S Trims Litchfield In Regular Season Finale 89-66

Talk about having a strong bounce back game.

After a lethargic 60-49 loss to Camden-Frontier Tuesday, the Climax-Scotts varsity boys basketball team rebounded with a solid 89-66 SCAA win over Litchfield Thursday on the road.

The win gives C-S a 10-10 overall regular season finish and 8-7 finish in the SCAA.

In a season filled with ups and downs, scoring lulls and offensive scoring surges, the Panthers enjoyed their second highest offensive onslaught of the season Thursday, just two points behind the 91 points the team registered in a 91-79 win over Burr Oak earlier.

C-S set the tempo quickly, racing out to a 31-19 lead after one quarter. Litchfield pulled to within 45-41 at halftime but the Panthers outscored the home team 44-24 in the second half, including a 27-16 surge in the fourth quarter.

Cole Eshuis, behind six three-point baskets, led C-S in scoring with 28 points to go with five steals. Riley Boomershine contributed 21 points and five rebounds, Jake Lane chipped in with 13 points, seven rebounds and four steals and Austin Liska scored 10 points.

C-S will host Tekonsha in Monday’s district opener at C-S High School at 7 p.m.


No Energy

Panthers Can’t Make Up Early Deficit; Fall To Camden-Frontier 60-49

By Bruce Rolfe

With the postseason coming up next Monday, maybe it was a good time for the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team to get one of its more lethargic performances out of its system.

Just forget about Tuesday’s 60-49 SCAA loss to Camden-Frontier at C-S Jr./Sr. High School and hope for a better performance in the regular season finale at Litchfield Thursday.

The Panthers fell behind early and watched Camden-Frontier slowly pull away until a fourth quarter flurry late in the game made the score respectable.

The Panthers, now 9-10 overall and 7-7 in the SCAA, played with little energy for the first three quarters and for most of the fourth quarter, while the Redskins moved the ball well that resulted in many inside drives.

Camden-Frontier beat C-S to a large number of rebounds and loose balls, and took advantage of many Panther turnovers and a cold shooting night by the home team.

The visitors started out strong, taking a 19-8 lead into the second quarter.

The Redskins enjoyed a good second quarter with its outside shooting and success driving to the basket, helping the visitors to a 35-19 advantage at halftime.

C-S failed to score consecutive baskets in the third quarter and the Redskins used a 7-0 run early to take a 42-21 lead with 4:44 left in the stanza.

A pair of free throws by Camden-Frontier with 38.5 seconds left sent the visitors into the fourth quarter with a 50-24 lead.

The Redskins enjoyed their biggest lead of the game just eight seconds into the final quarter on a pair of free throws for a 52-24 advantage, but the Panthers soon came to life on a three-point basket by Tyler Warner, and a three-pointer by Riley Boomershine followed by a basket and free throw to complete a three-point play by Boomershine that left C-S truing 54-36 with 3:52 left in the game.

C-S also ended the game strong with a 12-4 run but the deficit was too large.

Boomershine, who knocked down four three-point baskets, finished with 20 points to lead C-S and Warner had eight points.

The Panthers will complete the regular season Thursday on the road at Litchfield.

Panthers Hold Off Colon

By Bruce Rolfe

While it wasn’t pretty, the Climax-Scotts boys basketball team is just happy to enjoy some late season momentum.

The Panthers, now 9-9 overall and 7-6 in the SCAA, earned their fourth straight win with a 45-38 victory over Colon Friday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The pesky Magi trailed C-S by a 29-27 count after three quarters when Riley Boomershine knocked down a basket with five seconds left in the third quarter.

C-S enjoyed a 40-32 lead with 5:57 left in the game when Tyler Warner connected on a three-point basket, but the Magi pulled to within 42-38 on Andrew Smolarz’ basket down low with 36.9 seconds left.

Boomershine converted on three out of four free throws down the stretch to help C-S hang onto the lead.

The Magi, who were just 11-for-22 at the free throw line, hurt themselves by making just three of eight free throws in the fourth quarter.

C-S wasn’t much better, making just 11-of-19 charity stripe attempts in the game.

Colon took a 14-9 lead after one quarter, but the Panthers stepped up their defensive play in the second stanza, pulling out to a 20-19 halftime lead.

Boomershine finished with 22 points and Jake Lane netted nine points.

C-S will host Camden-Frontier Tuesday in a makeup game.

C-S Girls Basketball Team Uses Big 2nd Half To Register 60-25 Win Over Colon

By Bruce Rolfe

After trudging through a sluggish first half, the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team came out with plenty of energy in the second half, helping the Panthers to a 60-25 SCAA win over Colon at C-S High School on Sr./Parent night.

Both teams struggled with turnover issues and poor shooting in the first quarter, which ended with C-S ahead 7-6.

The Panthers did a better job taking the ball to the basket in the second quarter and took a 23-14 lead at halftime when Samantha Warner scored with 24 seconds left in the second quarter.

C-S really stepped its energy levels at both ends of the floor in the second half.

Led by Peyton Nabozny’s 15 points behind four three-point baskets, the Panthers enjoyed their biggest quarter of the game by pouring in 25 points and held the Magi to just seven points for a 48-21 lead after three quarters.

The C-S defense continued in the final stanza when the home team held Colon to just four points.

Nabozny finished with 20 pointBrenna Tutt scored 14 points and Samantha Warner and Sara Gray each scored seven points.

C-S, now 11-8 and 10-5, will host Camden-Frontier Tuesday in a makeup game.

Lady Panthers Hold On For 57-56 Win

By Bruce Rolfe

To say there was a little extra energy in the Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School gym Friday is an understatement.

Both the C-S girls and boys basketball teams came out with max energy levels against Battle Creek St. Philip, resulting in a 57-56 victory for the Panther girls and an 87-63 win for the boys.

Winterfest typically brings higher excitement levels, but when C-S is playing SCAA rivals Battle Creek St. Philip, the energy gets ramped up quite a bit higher.

The C-S girls started the action with a thrilling 57-56 win.

While the Lady Panthers looked in control for most of the game, St. Phil came roaring back with a fourth quarter comeback that nearly toppled C-S.

The Panthers, now 10-8 overall and 8-6 in the SCAA, enjoyed a 51-42 lead with 6:20 left on Brenna Tutt’s basket, but the Fighting Tigers clawed their way back to pull to within 57-55 with 1:25 left on a three-point basket by Nina Winkler.

Two missed free throws by C-S moments later gave the Tigers life and St. Phil managed to pull to within one, 57-56 when Kirstin Finnala split a pair of free throws with 47.3 seconds left.

A C-S turnover with 38.7 seconds left put St. Phil in a position to move in front, but Brenna Tutt came up with a big steal for the Panthers.

Tutt lost control driving towards the basket, resulting in a scramble for the ball and a jump ball.

St. Phil enjoyed the possession arrow.

St. Phil missed a shot with about 17 seconds left and C-S’ Megan Macomber came up with a big rebound with 14.9 seconds left.

A deflection out of bounds by St. Phil left the Lady Panthers in bounding the ball with just 12.9 seconds left.

C-S got the ball in with 12.9 seconds left, but St. Phil did not foul, hoping to force C-S into a turnover with good defense. But the Panthers whittled time off the clock and called a time out with 3.7 seconds left.

Macomber got the ball into Baylee Willis who calmly dribbled away from a St. Phil player and time ran out, sending the large C-S crowd and Lady Panthers into a frenzy.

Tutt, who finished with 24 points, led C-S’ effort in bumping the lead into double digits entering the final quarter by scoring 11 of her points in the stanza. 

The Lady Panthers brought energy right from the opening tip, racing out to an 18-7 lead after one quarter by aggressively attacking the basket with strong drives through the lane along with good outside shooting with a trio of triples.

St. Phil battled back to pull to within 34-27 at halftime, however the Lady Panthers moved in front 49-39 at the end of three quarters.

Macomber and Evelyn Lamb each added eight points for the winners.

C-S will play a non-league game at Lawrence Tuesday.


Panthers End 5-Game Losing Skid With Complete Game Effort

The Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team used a complete game effort to end a five-game losing skis Tuesday in a 78-52 SCAA win over Waldron on the road.

The Panthers used strong rebounding to generate many fast break opportunities throughout the contest, with multiple players making contributions under the boards.

Jake Lane led the team with 11 rebounds, Cole Eshuis had seven boards, Austin Liska picked off six boards, and Riley Boomershine had five rebounds.

C-S, now 6-9 and 5-6, put together four strong quarters while mixing in some solid defense.

C-S led by a 17-11 count after one quarter but really picked up the pace in the middle two quarters when the team poured in 21 points in each quarter for a 38-20 lead at halftime and a 59-30 advantage after three quarters.

   Critchlow felt his team also did a good job capitalizing on a high number of missed shots by Waldron (1-15 and 0-12).

Cole Eshuis led C-S in scoring with 18 points and Riley Boomershine and Tyler Warner each added 14 points.

C-S will host Winterfest Friday against SCAA rivalry Battle Creek St. Philip following the girls game.

Janae Langs Earns GLIAC North Division Player Of The Week Honors

BAY CITY, Mich.-- After posting her best two-game effort of the season in leading her team to a pair of weekend victories, Janae Langs had earned GLIAC North Division Player of the Week honors, per a release from the conference office on Monday. It is the first GLIAC Player of the Week selection for the Lakers this season,  as well as the first time Langs has received the award in her career. 

Langs, a senior guard guard from Climax, Michigan, posted averages of 18 points, 11 rebounds and three assists per game in victories over Northwood and Lake Superior State. Langs started with a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds versus Northwood on Thursday, before narrowly missing out on a second double-double and finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds against Lake Superior State on Saturday. Langs was 14-26 (.538) from the field and 4-7 (.571) from three-point territory between the two games.

The Lakers are 18-6 this season (13-5 GLIAC) and are tied with Michigan Tech for second place in the North Division Standings. GVSU has already clinched a spot in the 2017 GLIAC Tournament with three games remaining in the regular season, including upcoming home games against Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan this week.  Langs has started all 24 games for GVSU this season, and now owns averages of 10.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 72 total assists on the season, all marks that lead Grand Valley State. 

In addition to Langs and her Player of the Week honors, GVSU's Juwan Starks secured the same honor on the men's side as the Lakers swept the North Divsion awards for the first time this season. 

Lady Panthers Get Back Into Win Column

By Bruce Rolfe

Losing was getting old for the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team.

The Lady Panthers ended a four-game losing skid with an impressive 56-32 non-league win over White Pigeon at Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School Monday in a battle of former SJV rivals.

C-S, now 8-7 overall, improved significantly under the boards from its last setback at Bellevue Friday, passed the ball well that resulted in many attempts inside, and enjoyed a solid game defensively.

"We've been an inconsistent team, showing the ability to beat good teams in our conference and compete with ranked teams in the state, but have not shown we can do it consistently. Tonight we played a complete game, which was refreshing. Hopefully, we can use that to gain some momentum going forward," observed C-S coach Josh Vick.

Brenna Tutt scored a varsity career high 25 points in one of her best all around games of her varsity career. Senior Evelyn Lamb added eight points.

C-S got out to a strong start, moving in front 14-3 after one quarter.

The Lady Panthers continued to execute at the offensive end in the second quarter, extending the lead to 15 points (29-14) at halftime.

C-S came out of the locker room at halftime and enjoyed its biggest quarter of the contest, taking a commanding 46-21 lead into the fourth quarter.

C-S will play at Hillsdale Academy Friday.

Pick up the February 10 Climax Crescent for a complete wrap up of C-S girls basketball and other Panther sports.


Panthers Struggle Offensively In 56-38 Loss To Pittsford

By Bruce Rolfe

With their leading scorer injured and sitting on the bench, the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team struggled offensively Tuesday in a 56-38 loss to Pittsford at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The 38-point output was a season low.

Senior Riley Boomershine, who averages 20.8 points per game, injured his right wrist in last Friday’s loss to Battle Creek St. Phililp and will be sidelined a minimum of two weeks.

While the 5-6 Panthers struggled offensively, their number of offensive possessions was reduced with 18 turnovers.

C-S also struggled to slow Pittsford’s lane penetration and inside opportunities most of the night.

Seven Panther turnovers and cold shooting (2-for-11) helped Pittsford roll out to a 10-4 lead after one quarter.

C-S picked up its scoring touch in the second quarter, pulling to within 12-9 on Austin Liska’s basket down low with 6:53 left in the first half, but that was as close as C-S would get.

Pittsford continued to find success driving the lane as well as from the outside to open up a 30-19 lead at halftime.

C-S had many good looks at the basket in the third quarter, but Pittsford countered C-S’ first two baskets of the third quarter with scores at the other end, preventing the home team from enjoying any early runs.

The Wildcats enjoyed a pair of 19-point leads in the third quarter, but two free throws by Jake Lane sent C-S into the final quarter with a 43-27 deficit.

Pittsford opened the final stanza with a 7-0 run for a 50-27 lead and the Panthers could not catch up.

Austin Liska’s 12 points led C-S in scoring and Jake Lane added eight points to go along with six rebounds.

C-S will play at Bellevue Friday.

Pick up the February 3 Climax Crescent for a complete C-S boys basketball report.

Lady Tigers Pull To Within 1 Game Of Panthers 

Turnovers, Cold Shooting Hurt C-S In 57-38 Setback

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team was hoping to leave Battle Creek St. Philip Friday night a step closer to the SCAA West Division crown and a commanding three-game lead over its rivals.

Instead, the Lady Panthers find themselves holding a slim one game lead over the Tigers and Bellevue after suffering a 57-38 loss to St. Philip.

C-S, now 7-5 overall and 7-2 in the SCAA, was hoping to create some separation over the Tigers, but St. Phil came out with plenty of energy and led the entire game.

C-S Coach felt his teams’ youth may have been a factor in this key SCAA matchup.

“We're still an inexperienced bunch; nearly our entire starting lineup was starting in this important rivalry game for the first time.  It showed as I thought St. Phil played with more poise than we did,” said the C-S coach.

The Lady Panthers still control their own destiny with key SCAA West Division games remaining against Bellevue, which trails C-S by one game also, Feb. 3, and Battle Creek St. Philip.

St. Philip led by a 6-0 count before a free throw by Peyton Nabozny with 5:35 left in the opening quarter got C-S on the scoreboard.

The Tigers quickly bumped the lead into double digits on Abbie Lahr’s three-point basket (15-4). 

A Brenna Tutt basket off an offensive rebound pulled C-S to within 15-6 with 2:23 left in the opening quarter, but St. Phil closed the quarter with a 6-4 run to take a 21-10 lead into the second frame.

A basket down low by Baylee Willis pulled C-S to within 21-12 at the 7:52 mark, but that was as close as C-S would get.

The Tigers rattled off 11 straight points to move out to a 32-12 lead and C-S never recovered. A three-point basket by Willis, two free throws by Nabozny and a free throw by Tutt pulled C-S to within 35-20 with 53.2 seconds left in the second quarter, but the Lahr responded with a big three-point basket with 37.8 seconds left and Kameron Haley sank two free throws with 20.8 seconds left, sending the Tigers into the locker room at halftime with a 40-20 advantage.

Cold shooting prevented C-S from enjoying any lengthy runs and the Tigers enjoyed at least an 18-point lead the entire third quarter, taking a 50-28 lead into the final stanza on Maya Segovia’s basket with one second left.

C-S could not find the range early in the fourth quarter in an attempt to get back into the game, missing its first five attempts.

Brenna Tutt had 13 points to pace C-S in scoring, Peyton Nabozny chipped in with 13 points and Baylee Willis added seven points.

C-S will play at Pittsford Monday.


A Buzzer Beater Win For 

C-S


Riley Boomershine Connects On 30-Footer As Time Expires For 64-63 Win Over Centreville


By Bruce Rolfe

   When the game is on the line, senior Riley Boomershine isn’t afraid to be the person taking the last shot.

   Boomershine calmly drained a 30-foot shot to lift C-S to a 64-63 non-league win over Centreville Tuesday in a battle of former SJV rivals at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

   Centreville, now 7-4, took a 62-61 lead with 48.1 seconds left on Coleton Gascho’s basket down low and expanded the lead to 63-61 with 14 seconds left when Alex Staffiord split a pair of free throws after Cole Eshuis fouled the Bulldog senior when the two were going for a rebound.

   C-S, which improves to 5-4, called a time out with 5.1 seconds left to draw up the final play.

   Joel Richardson inbounded the ball to Jake Lane, who started to dribble down low but recognized Boomershine was open way outside the three-point line on top of the key. Boomershine then delivered as time expired, setting of wild celebration in the stands and on the court.

   Boomershine finished with 16 points, Jake Lane had 14 points and seven rebounds, Richardson scored 13 points and Cole Eshuis contributed 12 points.

   C-S led by an 18-10 count after one quarter and 36-26 at halftime, but the Bulldogs came charging back in the second half behind their inside attack, led by Hayden Stauffer.

   Stauffer, who struggled with foul issues in the first half, was dominating inside the paint and on the glass in the second half, scoring 15 of his 22 points in the third quarter to help the Bulldogs forge a 47-47 tie at the end of three quarters.

   C-S will play at Battle Creek St. Philip Friday at 7:30 p.m.


Lady Panthers Dominate Young Burr Oak Team

A young Burr Oak girls varsity basketball team filled with freshmen and sophomores, found it difficult to stay up with a more experienced Climax-Scotts squad Thursday, leading to a 61-15 win for the Lady Panthers at Burr Oak.

The win improves C-S’ overall record to 7-3 and 7-1 in the SCAA, leaving the Panthers two games ahead of Bellevue and Battle Creek St. Philip in the SCAA West Division.

The Panthers established themselves at both ends of the court immediately, pulling out to a 16-5 lead after one quarter. The execution at both the offensive and defensive ends continued in the second quarter when C-S held Burr Oak to four points and enjoyed its biggest offensive quarter with 19 points for a 35-9 halftime cushion.

C-S led by a 47-15 margin after three quarters and held Burr Oak scoreless in the fourth quarter.

Baylee Willis led the Panthers in scoring with 15 points, Brenna Tutt scored 14 points, Evelyn Lamb pitched in with nine points and Peyton Nabozny contributed seven points.

C-S will host No. 7 ranked Michigan Lutheran Saturday at 5:30 p.m. after the JV game that begins at 4 p.m.

Too Much Fire Power

Jackson Christian Nails 8 Triples Including 4 In 4th Quarter

By Bruce Rolfe

Jackson Christian broke open a close game with four three-point baskets in the fourth quarter on the way to a 69-55 win over the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team Thursday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The loss drops the Panthers below the .500 mark at 3-4.

Jackson Christian was accurate on eight three-point baskets in the game, with Andrew Blackgrove’s six triples leading the way.

While four Panther turnovers in the fourth quarter hurt C-S’ comeback attempt, the Royals were converting often at the offensive end, especially from the three-point line.

A basket in the lane by Riley Boomershine with 5:04 left in the game cut the visitors’ lead to 56-47, but Jackson Christian countered by hitting three straight triples to pull out to a 65-47 lead at the 2:30 mark.

A three-point basket by Riley Boomershine with 1:08 left in the game reduced C-S’ deficit to 65-50 but the Jackson Christian lead was too large and there wasn’t enough time left.

Jackson Christian used its height and multiple chances under the boards in the first quarter to race out to a 24-17 lead after one quarter, but the Panthers responded with a solid second quarter, pulling to within 35-33 at halftime on Boomershine’s basket with 16 seconds left in the half.

C-S came out with great energy in the third quarter and took a 40-37 lead, but the Royals quickly responded with an 8-0 burst for a 45-40 advantage with 3:41 left in the third quarter.

Boomershine’s three-point basket with 2:35 left in the stanza pulled C-S to within 45-43, but that was the closest the Panthers would get, as the Royals closed the quarter with a 8-0 run for a 55-43 lead entering the final stanza.

Boomershine finished with 25 points, five rebounds and three steals for C-S and Cole Eshuis pitched in nine points.

C-S will be idle until January 20 at home against Burr Oak.

Lady Panthers Pull Away From North Adams In 2nd Half

After struggling in some areas in the first half, the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team regrouped with a strong second half to register a 49-33 win over North Adams-Jerome Tuesday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

North Adams hung around in the first half by hitting two three-point baskets, generating multiple shots at the offensive end with strong rebounding, and forcing a handful of C-S turnovers that were converted into points.

C-S enjoyed an 8-5 lead after one quarter on Peyton Nabozny’s basket with 25 seconds left in the first quarter.

The Panthers were much more aggressive going to the basket in the second quarter, with Brenna Tutt leading the way. The C-S senior was 10-for-12 at the charity stripe in the second quarter that helped C-S to a 24-17 halftime lead. She finished 11-for-14 at the free throw line for the game. 

The pesky Rams hung around in the third quarter, trailing by a 34-25 count after three quarters before the Panthers outscored the visitors 15-8 in the final stanza.

Tutt led the Panthers in scoring with 17 points, Nabozny added nine points and Baylee Willis chipped in with eight points.

C-S, now 5-3 overall and 5-1 in the SCAA, returns to action Friday at Jackson Christian.

Building Blocks Continue For C-S Boys Basketball Team

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts boys basketball team continues to make positive strides and another strong effort Monday pulled the team back to the .500 mark with a 58-39 home win over North Adams-Jerome.

C-S, now 3-3, set the tone in the first quarter with its defensive energy, deflecting passes through the lane, hustling for loose balls and forcing turnovers that led to many transition baskets.

The effort resulted in a 19-7 first quarter lead and the strong defensive pressure continued in the second quarter when C-S outscored the visitors 12-5 to expand its lead to 31-12.

C-S took the inside option away from North Adams for most of the game, forcing the Rams to look to the outside on many attempts in the third quarter.

Strong rebounding helped C-S get out on the fast break often in the third quarter and the home team built a 44-17 lead at the 3:27 mark on Zach Scholly’s basket.

The Panthers settled for a 46-26 lead after three quarters.

A Joel Richardson basket with 4:28 left in the game gave C-S a 54-28 advantage, but the Rams reduced the deficit to under 20 points (56-39) by scoring seven straight points late in the game.

A basket by Scholly with 33.6 seconds left completed the scoring.

Riley Boomershine finished with 19 points, Scholly scored eight points and Jake Lane, Tyler Warner and Nathan Vickery each scored seven points.

C-S will host Jackson Christian Thursday.


Lady Panthers Bust It Open In 3rd Quarter

57-33 Win Over Tekonsha Moves C-S’ Record To 4-3

By Bruce Rolfe

After watching Tekonsha hang around for most of the first half, the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team pulled away with a strong third quarter in a 57-33 SCAA win at C-S Jr./Sr. High School Friday.

C-S, now 4-3, led by a 29-16 count at halftime, but came out much more aggressive in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors 20-5 for a 49-21 lead after three quarters.

While the Lady Panthers struggled with their shooting, the team used a distinct height advantage to enjoy many second and third opportunities at the offensive end.

The Panthers wanted to get to the free throw line more and senior Brenna Tutt led the way, making all 11 of her free throw tries. C-S was 13-for-15 overall.

Tutt led C-S in scoring with 19 points and Evelyn Lamb added eight points.

C-S will host North Adams-Jerome January 10 at 7:30 p.m.


Bellevue Pulls Away From C-S Boys In 4th Quarter

An outstanding job at there free throw line and the three-point ball in the fourth quarter helped Bellevue to a 79-65 win over the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team Friday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

C-S, now 1-2, took a 44-40 lead on Cole Eshuis’ three-point basket with 2:14 left in the third quarter, but the Broncos came back to take a 48-46 lead into the final quarter.

With Bellevue attacking the rim often, C-S soon got into foul trouble and the visitors made the Panthers pay.

Bellevue nailed 16-of-19 free throws in the fourth quarter, led by Wyatt Waterbury’s 10-for-10 effort.

Jake Lane split a pair of free throws with 7:11 left in the fourth quarter to pull C-S within 52-49, but the Panthers’ shooting went cold and the Broncos started to heat up, enjoying a 10-0 run sparked by three-point bombs by Gavin Jex and Ryan Madry for a 62-49 advantage with 5:27 left.

Consecutive baskets by Joel Richardson and Eshuis pulled C-S to within 66-60 with 3:11 left in the game, but Bellevue closed out the game with an 11-5 run, making nine-of-ten free throws over the final 2:24.

Riley Boomershine scored 34 points, including 17 in the second quarter to pace C-S in scoring, Joel Richardson added 15 points and Eshuis netted 10 points.

C-S will host Quincy December 30.

Lady Panthers Enjoy Big Road Win Over Camden-Frontier

The Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team overcame foul trouble and pulled away with a key fourth quarter run to register a big 58-50 SCAA win over Camden-Frontier Tuesday.

C-S, now 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the SCAA, held Camden-Frontier star point guard Kendal Cooney to just four points. C-S Coach Josh Vick said Megan Macomber, Cali Lawrence and Peyton Nabozny led the fine defensive effort on the Camden-Frontier guard.

C-S got into foul trouble in the second quarter, but Vick said players like Brittney Dixon, Harriett Swager, Sara Gray and Cali Lawrence came off the bench and provided quality minutes that kept the Panthers close.

The two teams were tied 9-9 after one quarter but Camden-Frontier led by a 28-25 count at halftime.

C-S pulled to within 43-42 after three quarters but the Lady Panthers put the home team away with a 16-7 burst in the final stanza.

C-S enjoyed balanced scoring with three players reaching double figures, led by Brenna Tutt’s 14 points. Baylee Willis added 13 points and Nabozny chipped in with 10 points.

C-S will return to action Friday at home against Bellevue.

Pick up the December 16 Climax Crescent for expanded coverage of C-S girls basketball.

Lady Panthers Can’t Stay Up With Athens

By Bruce Rolfe

   A young and inexperienced Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team battled hard, but in the end fell short to a veteran laden Athens squad Monday, dropping a 53-36 decision at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

   Athens, sporting a squad with three seniors and five juniors, watched a determined C-S team pull to within eight points with 4:35 left in the third quarter (36-28) on a pair of free throws by Evelyn Lamb, but the visitors took advantage of C-S turnovers and cold shooting to bump the advantage back into double digits for good with 2:28 left in the third quarter.

   Athens entered the final stanza enjoying a 42-30 lead and stretched the lead to as much as 19 points in the fourth quarter with 2:38 left in the game (51-32).

   Athens led by an 18-9 count after one quarter, however C-S pulled to within four points (25-21) with 3:58 left in the second quarter on Brenna Tutt’s basket.

    Tutt led C-S in scoring with 14 points, but the scoring dropped down to five points each from Baylee Willis and Cali Lawrence.

    C-S, now 1-1, will play at Colon December 9.


C-S Pulls Away From Litchfield In Second Quarter

   After falling behind 6-4 at the 4:44 mark of the first quarter, the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team responded in a big way in the second and third quarters to register a convincing 70-16 win over Litchfield Friday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

    The Lady Panthers took the lead for good on an offensive put back by Evelyn Lamb with 3:02 left in the first quarter that gave the home team a 9-7 lead and C-S enjoyed a 20-7 advantage after one quarter.

   The Lady Panthers expanded the lead to 20 points at halftime, 34-14, before holding the visitors scoreless in the third quarter when there was a running clock about half way through the stanza, which ended with C-S ahead 56-14.

   Brenna Tutt scored 23 points, Baylee Willis chipped in with nine points and Cali Lawrence added eight points.

    C-S, 1-0 overall and 1-0 in the SCAA, will host Athens Monday.

    Adam Schantz (left) and Matthew Middleton share a hug following C-S' loss in the regional championship game last Friday to Ottawa Lake-Whiteford. (photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent)

The C-S Way Brought This Team Together

Transfer Students Welcomed Into Program With Open Arms

By Bruce Rolfe            

   Immediately following Climax-Scotts’ 38-18 loss to Ottawa Lake-Whiteford last Friday night in the regional championship game, tears started emerging from players’ eyes and plenty of hugs could be observed.            

   It happens at the end of every football season at C-S.            

    Not because players care about the season, but they recognize the time they have enjoyed with each other playing a sport they love as a group, has come to an end.            

   But this year had a different element present.            

     A number of players on this year’s team transferred into the C-S School District recently or years ago, many without friends.          

    Senior Alex Ridenour transferred from Schoolcraft, senior Noah Eshuis from Kalamazoo Christian, senior Matthew Middleton from Vicksburg, senior Adam Schantz from Battle Creek Lakeview, senior Zach Scholly from Athens, junior James Behlke from Galesburg-Augusta, juniors Zach Tullis and Dylan Butler from Athens and junior Nathan Vickery from Delton-Kellogg.            

     What’s labeled as the “C-S Way” seemed to emerge each time a new student transferred into the school district. They were quickly welcomed with open arms and embraced.            

     They were also encouraged to play football for coach Kevin Langs, who many feel is one of the most dynamic and most respected football coaches in the State of Michigan.                

     Bonds and new friendships developed between players, making Friday night’s final game of the season very difficult to accept.            

    Through the tears and sad faces, some of the players who transferred to C-S and were welcomed like a brother, carried a tone of appreciation.         Ridenour, who said his parents and grandparents are from the area, attended the C-S pre-school, but the majority of his school years were spent in the Schoolcraft Community School District. He transferred to Portage Northern High School in the middle of his sophomore year before transferring to the C-S School District at the beginning of his junior year.         The loneliness of not knowing anybody in a new school district was quickly replaced with students who wanted to befriend Ridenour.            

     “I had no friends and I did not know anybody. They welcomed me with open arms. There’s nothing I can do to repay them for that. All this year they’ve treated me like I was one of their own. Like I’ve always been here,” said Ridenour. “Even though I’ve been here only two years, I wouldn’t want to be any where else.”            

     He was encouraged to play football and the C-S senior said C-S football players especially opened their arms and welcomed him.            

    Langs said Ridenour didn’t even start playing football until he was in the middle school and was impressed with the progress the senior made, especially this year.            

     “Coach Langs gave me a chance. I acted fine and they all backed me up,” said Ridenour.              

     Schantz, who attended Maple Valley from kindergarten through third grade, and Battle Creek Lakeview in 4th and 5th grades before transferring to the C-S School District in the 6th grade, never had aspirations of playing football.            

    He was approached by T.J. Gibson about playing the sport. Gibson said it’s been fun watching his teammate develop into a player many feel should be named All-State after the big senior tailback posted a single season school rushing record of 1,688 yards on 130 carries.              

    “When Schantz came, he was just a little guy. Coach Langs got him in the weight room. We talked him into coming out (for football). Like most kids, he’s not going to be great, but he pushed through it. He came out his junior year and helped us out a lot. Now his senior year, when you put 100 percent of your heart into it, you’re going to be a football player and that kid’s a football player. I don’t care what anyone says, he’s a football player,” said Gibson, who was been a key player along the offensive line helping open up holes for Schantz..              

    “He really didn’t sprout until his senior year. His senior year he came out of everything. He was amazing to play with,” adds Gibson.            

     Schantz said he’s glad his friends encouraged him to play football, because he has thoroughly enjoyed the experience.            

    “They’re the ones that got me out here. I had never played football until I came to Climax-Scotts. I’ll always love those guys, love them for what they got me to start doing,” said Schantz.            

    Because Schantz appreciated a pleasant welcome approximately six years earlier, it was easy for him to welcome new students that transferred into the district and played football. It helped shape the bond that exists between the team today.            

     “Ridenour came, we welcomed him in. He fits in. Climax-Scotts is kind of a unique thing. We’re kind of goofy at Climax-Scotts. We’re different. Ridenour fit perfectly, the same way with me when I came in the 6th grade. That core group of guys, T.J. Gibson, Ethan (Simmons), Tyler (Warner) (Austin) Liska. They’re great guys. There’s a reason we have this brotherhood. It came with Matt (Middleton), a lot of guys who came here, and those guys, they made this happen,” said Schantz, who wants to pursue a career as a doctor.            

     Mindy Middleton said her two sons, Ben and Matthew, were attending Vicksburg Community Schools and were involved in the district’s wrestling program when her family was first exposed to C-S. She said the couple was encouraged by varsity wrestling coach Jason Wade to have their sons participate in the MyWay wrestling program offered at C-S.            

     A meeting with Athletic Director and varsity football coach Kevin Langs sealed the deal and the Middleton’s transferred both of their sons to C-S.         Matthew transferred to C-S half way through the 8th grade and Mindy said the wrestling team immediately embraced him. “They were so happy for him to be here. He really was treated well. I think all the kids that move here are treated well,” said Mindy.            

     Matthew went out for football at C-S his freshman year and really enjoyed the experience. Mindy said she has seen her son come out of a shell the last few years and feels the positive experiences he has enjoyed at C-S has played a big role.            

     “He’s always been an amicable child at school, with friends, with us. But he really seemed to grow as a leader with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp and the encouragement of these (C-S) coaches. He really became a leader,” said Mindy, who also had strong words of praise for C-S Jr./Sr. high School Principal Kim Kirshman for her positive involvement with the students. “We’re so blessed the way we’ve been treated here.”  

   “Kevin (Langs), he’s great with all of the kids. But it’s so amazing to have strong, positive male leaders, who are trying to grow men. All he (Langs) wants is for these boys to grow up and be good men, good fathers, good husbands, good community leaders. I don’t know of any public school where you can get what we get here,” adds Mindy.              

     While he lives in the Vicksburg School District, Matt doesn’t hesitate to tell others where his loyalty is.            

      “When people ask me where I’m from, I don’t say from Vicksburg, I say I’m from Climax-Scotts. This is my home now, everyone’s welcomed me. It’s sad it had to end here (in the regional championship game), but I knew before the game I was praying on the bus ride here and I said in victory or defeat, you’ve still got to pray that it’s more than just about football,” said Middleton.              

     “When you think about all of these kids that have moved here. I moved here, Noah moved here, Adam (Schantz), Ridenour. All of these kids moved to Climax-Scotts. They’re not original Climax-Scotts kids. It’s crazy to think that we can all come together and be so close. We’re such a brotherhood,” adds the C-S senior.              

     Langs has said for years the C-S School District is certainly not perfect, but he’s seen many qualities like players embracing new students that transfer into the district make it a unique place.              

    “That’s probably why kids fit in because we are not perfect. So it’s a great place to fit in when you don’t have to be perfect. We make mistakes. We’ve had problems. But when you realize you don’t have to be perfect and put on a facade, that helps,” said the C-S coach.            

    Ridenour and Middleton said they recognized a pattern of players going out of their way to welcome a new kid and through football, many new relationships were established.              

    “Everyone here, it feels like we’re all so close. It feels like we’ve been raised together. It’s crazy the bond we formed through the sport of football,” said Ridenour.              

     “All of us have come from different places. We’ve all come together and formed such a brotherhood and a bond that can’t be broken,” said Middleton.            

    “I love every single one of them. They gave a kid that just moved (to the area) and had no friends, a good home, and good friendship. They gave something to somebody that can never be paid back,” adds Ridenour.
        The C-S Way. It’s the right way.


Panthers’ Magical Season Stopped By Ottawa Lake-Whiteford

C-S Finishes Campaign 11-1 After 38-18 Setback In Regional Finals

By Bruce Rolfe
   The Climax-Scotts football team saw its season stopped by Ottawa Lake-Whiteford 38-18 in the regional championship game Friday night at Ottawa Lake-Whiteford.
   C-S, which completes the season 11-1 and ranked No. 2 in the final division 8 Associated Press rankings, also saw its season cut short by the Bobcats last year in the regional final game at C-S.
   The Panthers, who averaged over 400 yards rushing a game, were unable to find the big seams and holes that were prevalent most of the season, due mainly because of a large Bobcat defensive line that slowed the C-S running game to 187 yards.
   The Panthers couldn’t seem to click or execute regularly in areas they normally did in the previous 11 games.
   C-S fell short on four, fourth down situations in Bobcat territory, including stops on the Ottawa Lake-Whiteford 4-yard line in the second quarter, and the 14-yard line in the third quarter.
   The Panthers also fell short on all three two-point conversions, which would had pulled the Panthers to 30-24 with 8:00 left in the game instead of a 30-18 deficit.
    The C-S defense started the game very impressively, coming up with an interception by Noah Eshuis with 6:20 left in the opening frame.
   The Panthers made the home team pay for the miscue on the very next play when Adam Schantz broke around the right side and used his speed like he has on so many previous touchdown runs, streaking down the sideline to the end zone for a 49-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion attempt failed.
    The Bobcats came right back, converting on a third and six that put the home team on the C-S seven-yard line and a short time later Conner Hoogendoorn scored on a short run from two inches out at the 1:48 mark of the first quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, sending the two teams into the second quarter knotted at 6-6.
    Probably the biggest fourth down stop for the Bobcats came early in the second quarter when C-S four-yard line. the Panthers couldn’t convert on a fourth and two play.
     C-S stalled Ottawa Lake-Whiteford’s momentum when Ethan Simmons came up with a fumble recovery with 5:17 left in the second quarter.
   The Bobcat defense immediately stepped up, stopping C-S on a fourth and one play at the Ottawa Lake-Whiteford 43-yard line.
    The Bobcats then captured the momentum heading into the locker room at halftime by by first enjoying a 24-yard pick up by fullback Logan Murphy that put the home team on the C-S two-yard line and then a Hoogendoorn finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 1:03 left in the first half. Hoogendoorn ran in the two-point conversion, giving the Bobcats a 14-6 halftime lead.
   The momentum resumed quickly for the Bobcats in the second half when Jesse Kiefer found a big hole and motored 62 yards just 2:27 into the third quarter. Quarterback Thomas Eitniear scored on the two-point conversion on a quarterback keeper, bumping the lead to 22-6.
   A good kick return by C-S to midfield, left the visitors in good field position and the Panthers pulled back to within striking distance a short time later.
C-S did manage a key fourth down conversion when Schantz barreled ahead on a fourth and two play from the Bobcat five-yard line with a three-yard run and then Eshuis finished the drive on the next play with a two-yard burst with 5:37 left in the third quarter, pulling C-S to within 22-12. The two-point conversion failed however.
    The energy generated by Eshuis’ touchdown was sapped on the following kickoff when Eitniear took the kickoff and found a seam on the right side, scampering 78 yards for a touchdown at the 5:23 mark. Hoogendoorn ran in the two-point conversion, increasing Ottawa Lake-Whiteford’s advantage to 30-12.
    The determined Panthers came storming back when Alex Ridenour made a strong run to the Bobcat 31-yard line and the visitors eventually moved down to the Ottawa Lake-Whiteford nine-yard line.
    But following a five-yard penalty on C-S, the Panthers faced a fourth and five from the Bobcat 14-yard line and a pass attempt to Schantz near the left side of the end zone fell incomplete, ending another C-S drive.
    C-S found itself in a position to come back a short time later when Jake Lane intercepted a pass near the end of the third quarter that ended 30-12, giving C-S the ball on the Bobcat 36-yard line.
    C-S moved down to the Bobcat 14-yard line and once again faced a fourth down situation, but the Panthers converted when quarterback Dylan Butler found Ridenour alone for a 14-yard touchdown strike with 8:50 left in the game. The two-point conversion was no good but C-S pulled to within 30-18.
    C-S tried an onside kick, but the home team recovered on its own 47-yard line and put the game away a short time later.
     A 12-yard pick up by Hoogendoorn set up Myurphy’s touchdown, a 38-yard run with 8:02 left in the game, giving the home team a 36-18 lead. Eitniear ran in the two-point conversion for the final score.
     C-S attempted to close the gap but fell short on a fourth and two play with 6:20 left in the game and the Bobcats used ball control to run out the clock.
    Schantz, an All-State candidate, gained 109 yards on 15 carries, giving him 1,688 yards on 130 carries for an eye-popping 12.98 yard per carry average.
While the sting from Friday’s loss that ended their season will burn for some time, this team will not doubt take solace and look back at a season filled with accomplishments and good memories.
    C-S captured the league title, enjoyed a neutral site game in Petoskey, defeated Mendon in back to back games for the first time in the playoffs and the first time since 1976 and 1977, and the team won two consecutive district titles for the first time in school history.

Close Knit Band Of Brothers Vies For Regional Championship Friday

C-S Travels To Ottawa Lake-Whiteford

By Bruce Rolfe

Shortly before practice Tuesday, members of the Climax-Scotts varsity football team filtered into the lockerroom, yelling, “we’re still practicing together”.

A very simple saying, but when you hear C-S players talk about being happy the team is still practicing together for a chance to keep a magical season going, they are very sincere. 

This group of players enjoys being around each other in practice, down in the trenches in games as well as off the field.

C-S, now 11-0 and ranked No. 2 in the final Associated Press Division 8 rankings, will travel to Ottawa Lake Whiteford, also 11-0 and ranked No. 5, tonight for a 7 p.m. clash with the Bobcats in the regional championship game.

It’s a similar scenario that unfolded last year when Ottawa Lake-Whiteford faced C-S in the regional championship game, won by the Bobcats 48-14 at C-S.

A win tonight would give C-S its third regional championship in school history and first since 2007 when that Panther team lost in the semifinals.


As a vocal group of players prepared for practice Tuesday, they carried a sense of appreciation with them, knowing they are in the elite eight, still enjoying time on the field with each other.

“We want to win and we want to keep going, but one thing we really want, we just want another week to be together. We’re brothers, we’re best friends. We’ve been like this for years. Just playing another week is as good as getting a win because we really cherish these moments as a team,” said senior Adam Schantz.

Senior T. J. Gibson said because many of the players on the team played together in Rocket Football, junior high and high school, there’s a natural strong bond that exists. But when you add in the number of big games this group of seniors has been a part of including an emotional 8-6 win over Mendon last year, this year’s district championship game win over the Hornets, league titles, and rallying behind each other when teammates have had to sit with injuries, the bond strengthened.

“We’re very close. It’s cool to be hanging out here with all the guys and see what we came up as. We played Rocket Football together. I’ve been playing with these kids since the second grade. Now we’re up here and all the captains are kids that used to play back in Rocket Football, so it’s just cool to see us all develop into men and actually play football together,” said Gibson.

Schantz said because his teammates enjoy each other on the field and off, even the grueling practices aren’t difficult, knowing you have teammates willing to stand up and support each other.

“We really do embrace practices. It’s not always physically tough at times, but mentally, it’s as tough as at any school. Coach (Kevin) Langs really makes it a mentally focused kind of practice and we really enjoy that,” adds the C-S senior.

Gibson, who had to sit out two games with a shoulder injury and faces surgery after the season is over, said because he’s a senior, it means a lot to him to spend as much time on the field with his teammates, so he’s overcoming pain and playing with a shoulder harness at his offensive line position.

“It’s not just to be out there, it’s to be spending time with all these guys,” said the Panther senior. “I sat out two games because the trainer and doctor wanted me to be safe and be one hundred percent to go back in there and play. But when you come out here and you’re playing with your brothers you’ve got to keep playing until you lose,” said Gibson, who said it was very hard for him to sit two games without making a contribution.

Langs said each group has their own identity, but he has noticed a genuine bond exists with this team.

“Last night I leave and they go get pizza together, and they come back. I’m still cleaning up two hours later and they’re hanging out here talking. So it’s a nice thing just to be able to spend time with them beyond football to talk about their dreams and their hopes. To hang out with them, not just on the football field. Once you loose football, you still hang out with them, but you don’t get that day to day questioning of what’s been going on in their life, so I’ll miss that,” said the C-S coach.


2 Straight District Championships For C-S

Panthers Stop Mendon 28-14 In District Title Game

By Bruce Rolfe

One a night when new school records and firsts were established by the Climax-Scotts football team, the final score on the scoreboard was the most important number for the Panthers.

C-S claimed its second consecutive district championship with a 28-14 victory over Mendon Friday at C-S High School, ending the Hornets’ season for the second straight year.

The 11-0 Panthers will play at Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 44-21 winners over Morenci Friday, likely next Saturday at Ottawa Lake Whiteford in the regional championship game.

C-S fell to the Bobcats in last year’s regional championship game, 48-14.

Mendon completes the season with an 8-3 record.

The district championship not only marks the first time the Panthers have won back to back district championships in school history, but C-S defeated Mendon in a trophy game for the first time in school history (C-S was 0-6).

While both teams had strong defensive efforts, Mendon found it difficult to contain Adam Schantz, who scored four touchdowns and churned out 166 yards on 22 carries, and Noah Eshuis, who finished with 145 yards on 16 carries.

Eshuis’ effort pushed the senior over the 1000-yard mark (1046 yards), joining Schantz, who now has 1573 yards. It’s the first time C-S has had two backs eclipse the 1000-yard rushing mark in the same season.

The Panthers relied on ball control on their opening drive, using 8:18 on the drive that was culminated by  Adam Schantz on an eight-yard run at the 3:42 mark. The two-point conversion attempt was no good and C-S led by a 6-0 count after one quarter.

Mendon came right back with an impressive drive, scoring on a one-yard plunge by Wyatt Cool with 8:55 left in the second quarter. Ruben Vorster kicked the extra point, giving the Hornets their only lead of the game.

Both teams enjoyed strong defensive efforts the rest of the second quarter, with Dylan Butler breaking up a pass on a fourth and one play with three seconds left in the first half, which ended with Mendon clinging to a 7-6 lead.

After the C-S defense held Mendon on a fourth and three early in the third quarter giving C-S the ball, the Panther offensive line started to open up some holes for C-S backs.

Eshuis broke loose for 14 and 18-yard pickups and then Schantz culminated the drive with a three-yard touchdown run with 6:04 left in the third quarter for a 12-7 Panther lead. Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion.

The C-S defense came up big and stalled a Mendon drive late in the third quarter with an interception, starting a momentum push the Panthers would not relinquish.

With the ball on the C-S 22-yard line, Mendon quarterback Hunter Lovell threw a pass towards the goal line, but Butler tipped the ball and Nathan Vickery came up with the interception in the end zone, ending the drive and sending the Panthers into the final quarter with a 14-7 lead.

The Mendon defense stopped the Panthers on a fourth and four near midfield, but the Panthers seized the momentum back moments later when Zach Scholly recovered a fumble on the C-S 44-yard line with 8:04 left in the game.

C-S once again used its running game to run valuable time off the clock, with Noah Eshuis’ 33-yard run putting the home team on the Mendon six-yard line.

Schantz finished the drive three plays later on a three-yard touchdown run with 2:59 left in the game, giving the Panthers a 20-7 lead. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

Mendon, behind an impressive passing attack, quickly moved down field and pulled to within striking distance when Lovell connected with Vorster on a 12-yard touchdown strike with 1:25 left in the game. A successful extra point kick by Vorster pulled Mendon within 20-14.

Everyone in the stadium was expecting an onside kick attempt by Mendon and the Hornets nearly pulled off the trick, but Dave Elenga fell on the loose pigskin on the onside try at the Mendon 48-yard line.

Schantz put the game away on the next play when he found a big hole and scampered 48 yards for a touchdown with 1:13 left. Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion for the final score.

Mendon once again went to its passing game in an attempt to draw within one touchdown, but Cole Eshuis ended any comeback attempts with an interception with 19 seconds left.

Defensively, Eshuis had 12 tackles, Jake Lane had nine tackles, Schantz and James Behlke had eight tackles apiece and Scholly had seven tackles.

 

Errors Costly For Lady Panthers In District Championship Setback To Athens

C-S Falls In 3 Games

By Bruce Rolfe

While the Climax-Scotts volleyball team battled hard all three games, mistakes ultimately cost the team in a district championship setback to Athens in three games Thursday at Athens High School, 25-20, 25-17, 28-26.

Similar to last year when C-S lost the first two games to Athens in the district championship match but came back to claim the title, the Lady Panthers couldn't pull off the challenge Thursday.

C-S, which completes the season 17-18-4, stayed close in the opener until Athens enjoyed a run near the middle of the contest, pulling out to a 20-11 lead on a receive error by the Panthers.

Despite 10 errors in the first game, the Lady Panthers pulled to within 23-19 on a kill by McKenzie Hennessy, but Athens sandwiched a pair of points off a return error and a service error around an error of its own to pull out the win.

A early two-point (5-3) lead was the closest C-S managed to get in the second game.

Athens used its strength at the net and took advantage of one C-S serve error, one attack error and two return errors to pull out to a 22-12 lead.

The Lady Panthers cut down on their errors, played strong defensively by bringing back many balls hit hard by Athens at the net, and enjoyed a solid game at the net with their blocking and hitting, but the Indians held on for the win.

The third game was tight throughout the contest, with a 6-2 lead being Athens' largest, while C-S managed four, one-point leads.

C-S had a chance to close out the third game after Evelyn Lamb blocked a shot for a 24-23 Panther lead, but the Indians knotted the game.

A tip by Zenna Soule left C-S in a position again to finish the game, but Athens once again came back to knot the game at 25-25.

C-S took a 26-25 lead before Athens knotted the game again and finished the contest by scoring the next two points.

C-S Will Have Rematch With Mendon In District Championship Next Friday Here

Panthers Top Colon 52-7

By Bruce Rolfe

Last year’s pre-district win over Mendon remains a strong positive memory at Climax-Scotts High School, but the old SJV rivalry will heat up to another level next Friday when the Panthers host the Hornets in the district championship game at C-S High School at 7 p.m.

The Panthers (10-0) advanced to the district title game by capturing a 52-7 win over Colon Friday in the pre-district playoff game at C-S High School Friday, while Mendon (8-2) moves into the district championship game with a 39-12 win over St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic.

With the exception of one series of downs when Colon drove 68 yards to pull within 14-7 in the first quarter, C-S dominated play from the start.

The Magi took the opening kickoff and quickly found the tough C-S defense tough to move the ball on and had to punt after one negative two-yard run, a one yard gain and an incomplete pass.

The Panthers wasted little time scoring their first touchdown.

Dylan Butler found a hole along the left side of the line and motored 55 yards for a touchdown with 10:01 left in the first quarter for a quick 6-0 lead. The two point conversion attempt was no good.

The tough C-S defense continued to frustrate the Magi, sending the visitors backwards on two straight runs sandwiched around a penalty on Colon, followed by an incomplete pass.

C-S was right back in the end zone following Colon’s punt when Adam Schantz broke loose and scored on a 42-yard run along the right sidelines at the 8:01 mark of the opening frame for a 12-0 lead. Noah Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion.

Colon scored its lone points of the game with 3:33 left in the first quarter when Daniel Alva connected with Branden Tomlinson on a 22-yard pass play and a successful extra point kick by John Ruby.

C-S came storming back with the big play once again when Nathan Vickery found a big hole and scampered 60 yards for a touchdown with 2:09 left in the first quarter and a 20-7 Panther lead.

Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion for a 22-7 C-S lead after one quarter.

The offensive blitzkrieg continued for C-S in the second quarter.

Zach Tullis scored on a 13-yard run with 10:12 left in the second quarter and Schantz ran in the two-point conversion, bumping the lead to 30-7.

Two plays after Eshuis picked up 16 yards on a third and four play at the Colon 29-yard line, Schantz crossed the goal line on a four-yard run at the 5:39 mark. Vickery’s successful extra point run made the score 38-7.

Colon managed to get to mid-field but the Panther defense held the Magi on a fourth and five try when Scholly got through for a sack, giving the Panthers the ball at mid-field.

On the first play from scrimmage, Schantz found another big hole and broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run with 1:57 left in the second quarter. Austin Liska toed the extra point for a 45-7 C-S halftime cushion.

The Magi continued to struggled to move the ball on the tough C-S defense and once again were forced to punt.

Schantz was again the beneficiary of good blocking up front and once he got to the outside, the big C-S senior turned on the jets and streaked down the right sideline for a 63-yard touchdown run. Liska’s extra point kick capped the scoring and sent the home team into the fourth quarter with a 52-7 lead.

The fourth quarter was highlighted by more fine play by the Panther defense, with Vickery tipping a pass that Jake Lane intercepted and then Vickery intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter.

Schantz finished with 129 yards on five carries, Dylan Butler had 78 yards on five carries and Vickery had 69 yards on three carries.

C-S held Colon to negative two yards rushing and 80 yards passing.

The Panther running game piled up 437 yards and the home team generated 28 yards passing.

James Behlke had nine tackles on the defensive side of the ball and Lane, Ethan Simmons, and Eshuis each had five tackles.

Panthers Enjoy Perfect Regular Season

C-S Takes Out New Buffalo, 54-6

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts varsity football team posted its second straight perfect regular season finish Friday by pinning a 54-6 non-league win over New Buffalo at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The 9-0 Panthers wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, turning a miscue by New Buffalo on an onside kick into a quick touchdown.

The Bisons attempted an onside kick on the opening kickoff, but David Elenga jumped on the fumble for C-S, giving the home team the ball on its own 49-yard line.

On the first play from scrimmage, Dylan Butler found a big hole and raced 51 yards, opening the scoring just 11 seconds into the game. The two-point conversion attempt on a pass was no good.

C-S struck for three more touchdowns in the opening frame to open up a 28-0 lead after one quarter.

Butler teamed up with Zach Scholly on a 14-yard pass play at the 6:29 mark and then the C-S junior hooked up with Adam Schantz on the two-point conversion for a 14-0 Panther advantage.

Noah Eshuis followed a 40-yard pickup by James Behlke with a five-yard touchdown run with 4:55 left in the  first quarter and then Schantz ran in the two-point conversion for a 22-0 lead.

After the C-S defense held New Buffalo on a fourth and three at midfield, the Panthers were back in the end zone just a few plays later. 

Behlke got the call and the C-S junior romped 46 yards for a touchdown with 1:39 left in the first quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, but C-S entered the second stanza with a 28-0 lead.

A Nathan Vickery interception set up C-S’ next score.

Adam Schantz completed a 21-yard drive with a one-yard burst up the middle just four seconds into the second quarter and then Butler completed a pass to Eshuis on the two-point conversion for a 36-0 C-S lead.

New Buffalo scored its only touchdown on a six-yard run by by Nigel Durham with 3:58 left in the second quarter. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

The Panthers came right back when Schantz scored on a four-yard touchdown run with just 25 seconds left in the first half. A missed extra point kick left C-S with a commanding 42-6 lead at halftime.

Similar to when C-S opened the game by scoring just 11 seconds into the game, the Panthers repeated the trick just 11 seconds into the second half when Behlke intercepted a pass and raced 40 yards for a touchdown with 11:49 left in the third quarter for a 48-6 C-S advantage after the extra point kick was blocked.

A four-yard touchdown run by Adam Schantz with 6:09 left in the fourth quarter completed the scoring, however C-S nearly pulled off an extra point kick on a drop kick by Noah Eshuis that missed the mark.

The game did have a sad moment for the Panthers when starting center Matt Middleton could not return to action in the second half because of a knee injury. His status will be updated later next week.

The Panthers, who rolled up 461 yards rushing, had a balanced attack on the ground. Eshuis finished with 113 yards on 12 carries rushing, Behlke had 112 yards on just five carries and Schantz contributed 101 yards on 12 carries.

Behlke also had a strong game on the defensive side of the football with 10 tackles and one interception. Jake Lane had eight tackles, Eshuis had seven tackles and Ethan Simmons and Zach Tullis each had five tackles.

New Buffalo finished with 72 yards rushing and 118 yards through the air.

The Community Playoff Pizza Party is Sunday at 6 p.m. at C-S Jr./Sr. High School when the Panthers will learn who their opening round playoff opponent is.

C-S Clinches SCAA Title With 56-6 Win Over Bellevue

Schantz Goes Over 1000-Yard Mark, Scores 5 Touchdowns

By Bruce Rolfe

After a slow start the Climax-Scotts varsity football team came to life in a big way, rolling to a 56-6 win over Bellevue on homecoming night at C-S High School Friday.

C-S, now 7-0, clinched its eighth straight SCAA championship with the win.

Adam Schantz scored five touchdowns and went over the 1000-yard rushing mark with a 146-yard performance on 12 carries.

Schantz, who scored on runs of 1, 25, 53, 10 and a 49-yard pass reception, enters week No. 8 with 1,088 yards rush in this year.

Nathan Vickery added a 58-yard touchdown run, Zach Tullis scored on a 59-yard run and James Behlke scored on a 75-yard touchdown run to round out C-S’ scoring.

Austin Liska kicked two extra point kicks, Noah Eshuis scored a pair of two-point conversion runs and Schantz also ran in a two-point conversion.

After C-S had a fruitless opening drive, Bellevue respond with a touchdown at the 4:59 mark on a one-yard run to take an early 6-0 lead.

But it was all C-S from the second quarter on, with the home team scoring 30 points in the second frame for a 30-6 halftime lead.

C-S tacked on 13 more points in the third quarter for a 43-6 advantage after three quarters and then added two more touchdowns in the final quarter.

Behlke finished with 75 yards rushing and Tullis had 73 yards on two carries.

Zach Scholly and Eshuis each had six tackles.

C-S, ranked tied for second in the recent Associated Press Division 8 poll, will travel to Bay City to play All Saints Central next Friday at 7 p.m.


Big Second Half Propels Panthers Over Pittsford, 48-28

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts varsity football team clinched at least a share of the SCAA title Friday with a 48-28 win over Pittsford, spoiling the home teams’ homecoming.

The win improves C-S’ overall record to 6-0 and gives the Panthers a 4-0 SCAA mark with one final league contest remaining at home next Friday against Bellevue.

Pittsford, which entered the game also undefeated in the conference, falls to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

After falling behind 22-18 with 7:08 left in the third quarter, Climax-Scotts responded with key adjustments to slow down the Wildcat aerial attack and came through with some clutch big runs.

James Behlke’s 85-yard touchdown run with 35 seconds left in the third quarter gave C-S the lead for good, sending the visitors into the fourth quarter with a 24-22 advantage.

With an entire quarter still to play and the game close, the Panthers came up with some key plays to pull away.

Ethan Simmons blocked a 30-yard field goal attempt with 10:49 left in the game that kept the score 24-22 and then Noah Eshuis broke free on the first play from scrimmage, scampering 85 yards for a touchdown at the 10:33 mark for a 30-22 C-S lead.

Pittsford pulled to within 30-28 with a one-yard run at the 8:16 mark, but the Panthers closed the door defensively and added three more touchdowns.

Adam Schantz broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run with 8:02 left in the game, Nathan Vickery followed a C-S fumble recovery with a 42-yard touchdown run with 6:05 left in the game for a 42-28 Panther lead and then Schantz completed the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown run at the 2:37 mark.

C-S got on the scoreboard first on a 14-yard burst by Vickery with 9:37 left in the opening frame, but the Wildcats took a 7-6 lead after one quarter on a 23-yard touchdown run and successful extra point kick with 20 seconds left in the first quarter.

The Panthers retaliated with 10:26 left in the second quarter when Schantz scored on a 46-yard run for a 12-7 C-S lead.

Vickery gave the Panthers an 18-7 lead when he found a big hole and motored 66 yards down the left side at the 8:20 mark.

Pittsford pulled to within 18-13 with a touchdown with 4:59 left on a 22-yard run by Ethan White and the Wildcats pulled to within 18-16 at halftime on Lucas McGraw’s 30-yard field goal with 34 seconds left in the first half.

C-S enjoyed a season high 534 yards rushing, with Schantz’ 165 yards on 12 carries leading the way. Eshuis added 159 yards on seven carries and Vickery contributed 121 yards on eight carries.

Pittsford enjoyed 249 yards passing and 145 yards rushing.

Jake Lane had 13 tackles, Eshuis and Behlke each had 11 tackles and Schantz had 10 tackles.

C-S will host Bellevue Friday on homecoming night.


Late Comeback Win For 

C-S


Vickery's 90-Yard Interception Return For Touchdown Is Difference In 20-8 Win


By Bruce Rolfe

    Climax-Scotts varsity football coach Kevin Langs felt it was important for his team to be pushed after winning its first four games by lopsided scores.

    The Panthers were pushed and challenged most of the game by Bark River-Harris almost to the point of suffering their first loss of the season, but C-S dug down and found a way to pull out a 20-8 win Saturday at Petoskey's beautiful new football stadium in the "Battle Under The Bridge".

   With Bark River-Harris leading 8-6 and the ball on the Panther 15-yard line with 2:33 left, it was looking like C-S was headed towards a loss.

   But on a fourth and 10 play, the Broncos went to the air and Nathan Vickery picked off a pass at the C-S 10-yard line and raced 90 yards down the left side of the field into the endzone with 2:00 left in the game, putting the Panthers on top 12-8. Noah Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion, making the score 14-8.

   Desperate to score, the Broncos went to the air again, and C-S once again came up with a big defensive play when Jake Lane intercepted a pass with 2:00 left in the game.

   Two plays later, Adam Schantz found a huge hole romped 74 yards for a touchdown with 1:08 left in the game to seal the deal (the two-point conversion was no good).

   C-S faced an uphill battle late in the game, trailing 8-6 with  Bark River-Harris with the ball on the Panther 15-yard line, 

     Bark River-Harris, now 2-3, opened the scoring on Iver Stenberg's 10-yard run up the middle with 6:42 left in the first quarter. Stenberg also ran in the two-point conversion, giving the Mustangs an 8-0 lead after one quarter.

    C-S took some momentum into the lockerroom at halftime when Schantz scored a touchdown on a one-yard run with just nine seconds left in the first half. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, but C-S now trailed by an 8-6 count at the break.

    Both teams dug in with strong defensive efforts in a scoreless third quarter.

   Schantz finished with 101 yards on 10 carries.

    Zach Scholly had 10 tackles, Lane had nine tackles, Ethan Simmons and Noah Eshuis each had eight tackles and Zach Tullis and James Behlke had seven tackles apiece.

    Bark River-Harris finished with 108 yards rushing and 141 yards passing (10-15), while C-S totaled 185 yards on the ground and 33 yards passing.

    The 5-0 Panthers will play at Pittsford next Friday at 7 p.m.


   The offensive line goes to work, clearing a hole for Adam Schantz during action Friday at Michigan Center. Schantz rolled up 327 yards rushing and scored four touchdowns. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent)

Big Second Half Lifts C-S Past Michigan Center

Schantz Explodes For 327 Yards Rushing

By Bruce Rolfe

After finding themselves trailing 14-12 at halftime, the Climax-Scotts football team kicked it into another gear in the second half to register a 48-14 non-league win on the road over Class C Michigan Center Friday in the season opener for both teams.

C-S outscored the Cardinals 36-0 in the second half.

C-S rolled up 390 yards on the ground, with Adam Schantz doing most of the damage piling, up 327 yards on 13 carries while scoring four touchdowns.

The win gives C-S Coach Kevin Langs 14 straight season opening wins.

It was a battle for C-S in the first half, but the visitors stayed close with some timely defensive stops and big plays offensively.

Michigan Center took an 8-0 lead at the 1:09 mark of the opening quarter on a 12-yard pass play and successful two-point conversion.

The home team maintained the 8-0 lead after one quarter, but C-S enjoyed a scoring drive of its own  in the second quarter when L.J. Behlke capped a 72-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run with 8:28 left in the second frame. The two-point conversion attempt was no good.

A big kick return left Michigan Center starting its next drive on the C-S 43-yard line, and four plays after the Cardinals were penalized five yards, the home team was back into the end zone on a two-yard touchdown run by Andrew Tordy at the 6:09 mark of the second quarter. The two-point conversion was no good, but the Cardinals enjoyed a 14-6 lead.

Schantz scored the first of his four touchdowns on a beautiful 61-yard scamper. He appeared to be saddled with a short gain when he was stopped near the line of scrimmage, but he reversed his course and ran down the left sideline, outrunning a host of Cardinals to the goal line for a touchdown at the 5:05 mark. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, but C-S pulled to 14-12 at halftime.

C-S started to take charge in the third quarter.

The Panthers stalled a second half opening drive by Michigan Center at the C-S 15-yard line when Noah Eshuis recovered a fumble with 8:32 left in the third quarter and the Panthers were soon back into the end zone.

A Dylan Butler to Behlke pass play that covered 30 yards jump started the scoring drive, which was culminated by a 46-yard touchdown run around the right side by Schantz with 5:05 left in the third quarter. Eshuis scored on the two-point conversion for a 20-14 C-S lead.

The Panther defense came up with a key series of downs, stopping Michigan Center on a third and 8 from the Panther 40-yard line, and the home team was forced to punt.

Schantz then delivered a key score on the second play from scrimmage when he found a big hole and romped 74 yards for a touchdown with 3:18 left in the third quarter and a 26-14 lead (the two-point conversion was no good).

Another fumble recovery by Eshuis on the Cardinal 22-yard line with 3:06 left in the third quarter set up C-S’ next score, a three-yard burst by Behlke at the 1:47 mark for a 32-14 Panther lead. Zach Tullis ran in the two-point conversion.

C-S turned yet another Michigan Center turnover into points, when Nathan Vickery picked off a pass at the Panther 16-yard line and raced 84 yards for a touchdown as the quarter ended. Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion for a 42-14 C-S lead after three quarters.

Schantz then capped the scoring when he found another big hole and outran the Cardinal defense to the goal line for an 86-yard touchdown run with 5:57 left in the game for the final score (the two-point conversion attempt failed).

Behlke had 12 tackes, Eshuis had 10 tackles and Tullis added nine tackles.

C-S will enjoy its home opener Sept. 2 against Colon at 7 p.m.


Baylee Willis looks to shoot over this Lawrence player during regional semifinal action Tuesday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent) 

Lady Panthers Are Locked In


C-S Overwhelms Lawrence In Regional Semifinal, 56-38; Host Wyoming Tri Unity Christian Thursday


By Bruce Rolfe

  You might say the Climax-Scotts girls’ varsity basketball team was locked in Tuesday in a 56-38 win over Lawrence in a regional semifinal game at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

  Lawrence not only had to contend with a focused and motivated Lady Panther squad, but waves of C-S players came off the bench and provided effective minutes in an effort to keep the entire roster fresh and wear Lawrence down.

   With starter Mary Smith sidelined for the rest of the year with a broken foot and starting guard Madison Nabozny out with an ankle injury, players like sophomore Megan Macomber, freshman Peyton Nabozny, sophomore Baylee Willis, junior Zenna Soule and senior Evelyn Lamb stepped up with valuable and productive minutes.

   C-S, now 20-2, will host Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the regional championship game. Tri Unity improved to 20-4 with a 46-44 win over Athens in the earlier regional semifinal game Tuesday.

   While Lawrence enjoyed a 5-0 early lead, the Panthers came storming back in a big way, using defense and a potent outside scoring threat to take a 16-11 lead after one quarter.

   Taylor Macomber, who finished with 21 points and knocked down five three-point baskets, connected on a trio of three-pointers in the first quarter to give her team a jump start.

   Strong rebounding in the second quarter gave C-S many second and third opportunities, while the defense forced Lawrence into six turnovers and held the visitors to 2-for-8 shooting from the floor in the stanza.

   C-S continued to flourish from the outside, with McKenzie Hennssy spotting up for a three-point basket and Sydney Macomber connecting on a three ball to help the Panthers to a 29-17 halftime lead.

   C-S really stepped up its play defensively in the third quarter, clogging the lane and keeping the Tigers to mostly outside shots.

   A 10-4 run midway to late in the third quarter, spearheaded by two straight baskets by Mckenzie Hennessy, gave C-S a 42-23 lead with 1:18 left in the third quarter and the score stood up heading into the final stanza.

   A Taylor Macomber three-point basket with 3:47 left in the game gave C-S its largest lead of the game, 52-27.

   Hennessy followed up Taylor Macomber’s 21 points with 10 points and Baylee Willis tossed in eight points.


 

VanderPloeg, Myers Are All-State Medalists At Wrestling Finals

Climax-Scotts High School senior Todd Myers and Martin senior Dayton VanderPloeg earned top 8 finishes and received All-State Medals at the Division 4 Individual State Wrestling Finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills Saturday.

VanderPloeg. wrestling at the 130-pound weight class, won his opening round match 13-9, defeated his second opponent by a 16-6 major decision won his third round match by a 15-4 major decision and settled for a fourth place finish after he suffered a 6-3 loss in the third and fourth place match.

Myers dropped his opening round match in the 152-pound weight class by a 13-4 major decision, but bounced back to win his next two matches, 10-2 and by a pin in 4:22 before falling in the fourth round by a 9-0 major decision.

Also wrestling for C-S was senior Zack Mobley (160), who was 1-2 at the tournament, Payton Hunt (160), who was 0-2, Noah Eshuis (189), who was 0-2 at the tournament, and Ethan Simmons, who was 1-2 at the double elimination tournament. 

District Frustration Ends For Lady Panthers

Injury Toll Continues

By Bruce Rolfe

After getting bounced by Martin from the district tournament the last two years, the Climax-Scotts varsity basketball team enjoyed some revenge Wednesday night by registering a 50-34 win over the Clippers in the district championship game at Martin High School.

The shorthanded Panthers, who lost senior starter Mary Smith for the rest of the season to a broken foot last weekend according to C-S Coach Josh Vick, were dealt another possible big blow when senior starting guard Madison Nabozny twisted her right ankle with 1:02 left in the game and had to be helped from the floor. Her status for Tuesday’s regional game is unknown.

C-S, now 19-2, will face the winner of the Lawrence District winner March 8 at 7 p.m. at C-S Jr./Sr. High School in the second game of the regionals. 

The Mendon and Byron Center district winners will begin the regionals at 5:30 p.m. at C-S.

The regional championship game will be played March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at C-S.

C-S used pressure defense to rout the Clippers Wednesday, forcing Martin into 23 turnovers in the first half alone.

C-S enjoyed some separation when Madison Nabozny and McKenzie Hennessy hit two straight three-point baskets and Hennessy scored off an offensive rebound for a 27-10 halftime cushion.

C-S combined defensive pressure, an outside presence and fast break opportunities that was fueled by coming up with steals or transition baskets off of missed Clipper shots in the third quarter, which ended with the Panthers leading by a 43-22 count.

Taylor Macomber finished with 15 points for C-S and Hennessy chipped in with 12 points

Jazmin Hildebrand led Martin with 19 points.

 

Oops - Panthers Stumble At Concord

C-S Thumped, 92-60

Concord gave the Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team a dose of its own medicine Tuesday, leading to a 92-60 non-league setback for the Panthers on the road.

Concord enjoyed a running clock for a portion of the fourth quarter. C-S Coach Steve Critchlow, currently in his fifth season as varsity coach, said it is the first time an opponent has had a running clock on C-S since he has been the varsity coach.

Concord used its press to force many turnovers, starting right from the opening tip, leading to a 24-14 advantage after one quarter.

The Class C Yellow Jackets continued the surge in the second stanza, racing out to a 48-30 halftime cushsion.

C-S continued to struggle at the defensive end in the third quarter when the home team outscored the Panthers 22-17 for a 70-47 lead after three quarters.

Dallas Froberg paced C-S with 21 points, three assists and four rebounds, Riley Boomershine added 19 points and Logan Hunter contributed nine points.

The 12-4 Panthers will try to get back into the win column Friday at home against Hillsdale Academy on Winterfest night.

 

Lady Panthers Tame White Pigeon, 46-34

Strong defense in the fourth quarter and a multiple pronged attack at the offensive end helped the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team to a 46-34 non-league win over White Pigeon Monday at White Pigeon.

The Lady Panthers, now 14-2 overall, won all five of their non-league games this season.

The Chiefs fall to 10-5 and had won nine in a row.

C-S led by a 35-29 count after three quarters but held the home team to just five points in the fourth quarter while scoring 11 points to secure the win.

Madison Nabozny led the fourth quarter attack with six points.

Sydney Macomber, who buried a pair of three-points baskets, led C-S in scoring with 11 points, Taylor Macomber, who also had two three-point baskets, added 10 points and Nabozny chippd in with nine points.

C-S will host Hillsdale Academy Friday at 5:30 p.m. on Winterfest.

 

Lady Panthers Bounce Back With Key SCAA Win Over Bellevue

By Bruce Rolfe

Coming off a loss to No. 1 ranked Pittsford and first place in the SCAA west division on the line Friday, the Climax-Scotts girls’ basketball team wanted to send a message to the team tied with them in the division standings.

The Lady Panthers came out like a team with a chip on their shoulders and overwhelmed Bellevue 67-33 Friday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The win improves C-S’ overall record to 13-2 and gives the team a 9-2 SCAA record and in first place in the Central Division, now one game ahead of Bellevue.

C-S started the game with a 7-0 run before Bellevue finally scored its first basket at the 5:19 mark on a three-point basket.

The Lady Panthers settled for an 18-11 lead after one quarter.

C-S really turned it on in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors 21-9 for a 39-20 halftime lead.

The Panthers continued its tenacious defense in the third quarter, holding the Broncos to just five points on the way to a 53-25 lead at the end of three quarters.

The Panthers enjoyed balanced scoring, as three players recorded double figure scoring games and another finished with nine points. Taylor Macomber scored 16 points, followed by Madison Nabozny’s 15 points and McKenzie Hennessy’s 13 points. Mary Smith contributed nine points.

C-S will play at White Pigeon Monday.

 

Pittsford Downs Lady Panthers In SCAA Battle Of Heavyweights

By Bruce Rolfe

Climax-Scotts kept delivering punches all four quarters, but Pittsford landed the knockout blow with a big fourth quarter in Monday’s 61-43 win over the Lady Panthers at Climax-Scotts High School between two SCAA heavyweights.

The No. 1 ranked Wildcats improve to 14-0 overall and 10-0 in the SCAA, while the No. 8 ranked Panthers drop to 12-2 and 10-2 in the SCAA.

Pittsford led the entire game, but the pesky Lady Panthers battled the No. 1 ranked Wildcats hard for all four quarters.

Pittsford led 11-7 after one quarter.

Each time it appeared the Wildcats were on the verge of opening up a double digit lead in the second quarter,C-S fought back to remain within striking distance.

A three-point basket by McKenzie Hennessy pulled C-S to within 21-17 at the 4:56 mark of the second quarter and then moments later Taylor Macomber sandwiched a basket and a three-point basket around a Pittsford basket to reduce C-S’ deficit to 26-22 with 2:58 left in the quarter.

Pittsford ended the quarter with a 7-2 run for a 33-24 halftime lead.

A basket by Hennessy with 5:36 left in the third quarter pulled C-S to as close as it would get, 33-27.

Taylor Macomber’s basket with 37.0 seconds left pulled C-S to within 39-32 but the Wildcats entered the finally stanza with a 41-32 lead.

Pittsford then stepped up its play in the fourth quarter, coming up with a trio of three-point baskets by Jaycie Burger, helping the visitors outscore C-S 20-11 in the final stanza.

Taylor Macomber led C-S in scoring with 18 points, including four three-point baskets, and Hennessy and Sydney Macomber each scored eight points.

The Lady Panthers will return to the hardwood Friday at home against Bellevue at 6 p.m.   

 

Lady Panthers Take Charge In Second Hall In 47-32 Win

By Bruce Rolfe

Battle Creek St. Philip did a good job slowing down Climax-Scotts’ Taylor and Sydney Macomber, but in the end, the twins and their teammates were too much for the Tigers in a 47-32 Lady Panther win Friday night at the Tiger Den.

C-S moves to 12-1 with the win.

Taylor Macomber was held to just six points but she hit a big three point basket in the fourth quarter with 1:22 left in the game that gave her team a 41-28 advantage.

Sydney Macomber chipped in with 11 points and six assists, and also hit some key baskets in the win.

Madison Nabozny, who hit a big three-point basket with 3:07 left in the game to give C-S a 37-24 lead, finished with 11 points, and McKenzie Hennessy enjoyed a strong game, scoring 10 points.

Tiurnovers and missed shots prevented both teams from getting into any type of flow, with C-S taking a 10-8 lead after one quarter.

Maya Segovia’s basket with 5:40 left in the second quarter gave the home team a 11-10 lead, but the Panthers outscored the Tigers 7-3 the rest of the stanza to take a 17-14 halftime lead.

Sydney Macomber started the second half off with a big three-point basket, giving C-S a 20-14 lead and the Panthers slowly built the lead to double figures on Taylor Macomber’s fast break basket at the 1:40 mark of the quarter for a 32-22 lead.

C-S settled for a 34-22 lead after three quarters.

C-S maintained a double digit lead the entire fourth quarter, with 38-28 at the 1:35 mark being the closest the Tigers would get.

C-S will host Pittsford Monday at 7:30 p.m.

 

  Mary Smith and Burr Oak's Hailey Carder battle for a loose ball during action Thursday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent) 

Pressure Defense, Ball Movement Help Lady Panthers To 65-30 Win Over Burr Oak


By Bruce Rolfe

While the play got sloppy as the game went on, the Climax-Scotts girls varsity basketball team had its impressive moments in a 65-30 win over Burr Oak Thursday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

C-S, now 10-1, started the game passing the ball well, finding the open player often, and using its pressure defense to force 13 turnovers in the opening quarter that ended with C-S ahead 21-7.

The second quarter was more of the same, as the Panthers started the frame with an 11-3 run to move in front 32-10 at the 6:03 mark on Brenna Tutt’s basket.

As the quarter went on missed shots, fouls and and free throws were more prevalent, with C-S taking a 47-15 lead at halftime.

C-S Coach Josh Vick admits his team got into some bad habits as the game wore on, but was pleased the Lady Panthers played hard right to the end.

C-S enjoyed a running clock shortly after Mary Smith scored down low at the 6:00 mark of the third quarter for a 58-17 lead and the Panthers ended the stanza leading 60-21.

Mary Smith scored 13 points, Madison Nabozny and Taylor Macomber each added 11 points and McKenzie Hennessy chipped in with eight points.

Alexis Habib led Burr Oak with 20 points.

The Panthers will play at Michigan Lutheran Saturday, beginning with the JV game at 5 p.m.

 

Lady Panthers Use Strong Defense To Register 67-14 Win

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts girls’ varsity basketball team wanted to set the tempo immediately and Coach Josh Vick’s contingents lived up to their aspirations in a 67-14 non-league win over Calhoun Christian Tuesday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

C-S, now 9-1, got off to a 29-1 first quarter lead and never looked back.

The Panthers used strong defense to force many turnovers that led to fast break opportunities throughout the game.

Calhoun Christian struggled offensively the entire game, managing just four free throws for their entire offense in the first half, which ended with C-S in front 50-4.

The Cougars did not connect on their first basket from the floor until Abby Parks hit a basket with 54.1 seconds left in the third quarter that reduced C-S’ lead to 58-6.

Calhoun Christian’s cold shooting also led to numerous fast break opportunities for C-S, which led by a 58-8 count after three quarters.

Taylor Macomber scored 16 points, McKenzie Hennessy chipped in with 11 points, Sydney Macomber netted 10 points and the Macomber twins’ younger sister, Megan Macomber added nine points.

C-S will return to action Thursday at home against Burr Oak.


 

C-S Pulls Away With 30-Point 2nd Quarter

The Macomber sisters were pretty much a three-person wrecking crew for Climax-Scotts Friday in the Lady Panthers’ 65-24 win over Jackson Christian Friday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The trio combined for over half of their teams’ points, with Sydney Macomber scoring 16 points, her twin sister Taylor finishing with 14 points and sophomore Megan Macomber adding 12 points.

The Lady Panthers broke open the contest with a season-high 30-point second quarter.

The 8-1 Panthers led 19-9 at the end of one quarter before exploding in the second frame behind Taylor Macomber’s 11 points and Megan Macomber’s nine points that helped the team to a 49-16 halftime lead.

C-S continued to build on its lead behind strong defense, enjoying many fast break opportunities in the third quarter, which ended with the Panthers ahead 61-22.

A basket by Evelyn Lamb down low with 3:55 left in the game gave the Panthers their biggest lead of the game, 65-22.

C-S will host Calhoun Christian Tuesday.

 

C-S Defense Too Much For Tekonsha In 70-36 Win

By Bruce Rolfe

Suffocating defense that reached a peak in the second quarter carried the Climax-Scotts varsity boys basketball team to a 70-36 win over Tekonsha Thursday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The Panthers, now 6-1, watched Tekonsha pull to within 6-5 early, but the home team set the tone with a 13-2 run that pushed the lead to 19-7 after Jeremy Scherer scored down low on a nice pass from Dallas Froberg with 2:09 left in the opening quarter.

C-S led by a 23-11 count after one quarter.

C-S started the second quarter with a full court press that forced three straight Tekonsha turnovers, with the Panthers turning all three of the turnovers into baskets for a 30-11 lead at the 6:37 mark.

C-S’ strong half court defense continued to frustrate Tekonsha offensively, and the Panthers enjoyed a 45-19 halftime lead on Scherer’s basket down low with 19 seconds left in the half.

While Tekonsha could not get into any type of offensive groove in the third quarter, C-S started to move away, beginning the quarter with a 14-3 run that gave the home team a 59-22 advantage.

C-S led by a 62-27 count at the end of three quarters.

The Panthers led by as much as 41 points (70-29) in the fourth quarter.

Dallas Froberg paced C-S in scoring with 21 points to go with six rebounds, Zach Harris scored 15 points and had four steals and Scherer and Riley Boomershine each scored 10 points.

Connor Jenkins and Blue Calvin each scored eight points to lead Tekonsha.

 C-S will be right back in action Saturday at Quincy.

 

C-S-M Wrestlers Settle For 2nd Place Finish At Jim Wade Family Classic

The Climax-Scotts-Martin wrestling team earned a second place finish at the Jim Wade Family Classic at C-S Jr./Sr. High School Wednesday.

DeWitt won the 18-team tournament with 298.5 points. C-S-M finished with 222.0 points. Galesburg-Augusta also participated, finishing 15th with 39 points.

Todd Myers (152) posted a 3-0 record after receiving two byes and Peyton Hunt (160), who was 4-0 after an opening round bye, both recorded C-S-M’s lfirst place medals.

Zack Mobley (145), Toby Bagley (125), Dayton VanderPloeg (130), and Ethan Simmons (215) all finished second with 3-1 records.

C-S-M will wrestle at Fennville Jan. 6 at 6 p.m.

Purchase the Jan. 1 & 8 Climax Crescent for complete C-S-M wrestling coverage.

 

Kalamazoo Home School Hands C-S First Loss Of Season, 68-56

By Bruce Rolfe

Forget about the twin towers. Kalamazoo Home School put triple towers on the floor for Climax-Scotts to contend with Tuesday and the Panthers struggled to overcome the Cougars' height advantage as well as the visitors' strong guard play in a 68-56 loss.

While the Cougars had a distinct height advantage, the Panthers stayed close with the visitors throughout most of the game but succumbed in a non-league tilt at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

Big men Josiah Brown (6’8”), who scored 22 points, and Brandon Born (6’6”), who added 11 points, gave the Panthers fits most of the night, while 6’6” Tyler Dolly created a three-headed monster for the Panthers to contend with most of the night.

The loss was the first setback of the year for the 4-1 Panthers.

The 13-1 Cougars not only used their height advantage to set the tone in the first quarter, but they knocked down six three-point baskets in the first quarter to take a 22-11 lead after one quarter. 

Home School, which finished with 10 three-point baskets moved out to a 39-24 halftime lead and expanded the margin to 53-36 at the end of three quarters.

The never give up Panthers pulled to within 63-54 with 2:06 left in the game on a Zach Harris basket, but the Cougars outscored C-S 5-2 down the stretch.

Dallas Froberg, who buried five three-point baskets, led the Panthers with 21 points, three assists and three steals, Riley Boomershine scored 10 points and Jeremy Scherer and Harris each added nine points.

C-S will be idle until a January 5 home game against Waldron.

Pick up our Jan. 1, 2016 issue of the Climax Crescent for complete coverage of C-S boys basketball.

 

Lady Panthers’ Pressure Defense Too Much For Colon In 52-12 Win

By Bruce Rolfe

The pressure defense started shortly after the opening tip and lasted throughout most of the contest for Climax-Scotts, helping the Lady Panther varsity basketball team to a 52-12 SCAA win over Colon Friday at Climax-Scotts High School.

C-S, now 3-0 overall, held Colon without a basket from the floor until the Magi finally connected at the 1:43 mark for a 15-3 deficit after one quarter.

Colon opened the second quarter with a three-point basket at the 6:55 mark, but the tough C-S defense held the visitors without a point the rest of the stanza while doubling their offensive output of the first quarter for a 30-6 halftime lead.

Colon’s cold shooting spilled into the second half when the Panthers held the Magi without a point until the 3:06 mark when Rebekah Scofield sank a free throw, ending the scoreless drought at 11:49. But the home team enjoyed a 43-7 lead.

C-S entered the final stanza with a 49-10 lead.

Both teams were plagued with turnover issues in the fourth quarter, but the Panther defense continued to shine, holding the Magi to just two points.

Taylor Macomber, who knocked down a pair of three-point baskets, led C-S in scoring with 12 points, Sydney Macomber and McKenzie Hennessy each scored 11 points and Mary Smith tossed in nine points.

Smith finished with six rebounds and three blocks and Taylor Macomber added five boards. Madison Nabozny came up with six steals and Taylor Macomber handed out four assists.

C-S shot 31 percent from two-point range but held the Magi to just 14 percent on two-point attempts.

The Lady Panthers will host Camden-Fronter Tuesday at 7 p.m. 

Not Our Day

Panthers Drop 48-14 Decision To Ottawa Lake Whiteford In Regional Championship Game

By Bruce Rolfe

Climax-Scotts football Coach Kevin Langs was concerned about Ottawa Lake Whiteford’s running game heading into Saturday’s regional championship game at Climax-Scotts High School.

His fears came true, but it was the Bobcats’ passing game that ultimately was a major contributor to a 48-14 setback for the Panthers.

The offensive arsenal combined with a very tough defense that frustrated C-S most of the day.

Ottawa Lake Whiteford finished the day with 292 yards passing and 281 yards on the ground, while C-S finished with a season low 93 yards rushing and 75 yards passing.

The 48 points allowed is the most a C-S team has given up in a playoff game.

C-S completes the season with an 11-1 record while Ottawa Lake Whiteford (10-2) will advance to next Saturday’s semifinal.

After holding C-S without a first down on its first set of downs, the visitors established their aerial attack, as sophomore quarterback Thomas Eitniear hooked up with Jesse Kiefer on a 27-yard pass play and two plays later he completed a 13-yard pass to Jake Becki before Jesse Kiefer caught a pass from Cody Kiefer on a halfback pass covering eight yards to get the visitors on the scoreboard at the 2:38 mark. Eitniear completed a pass to Jesse Kiefer on the two-point conversion.

C-S once again failed to get a first down and it wasn’t long before Ottawa Lake Whiteford was back in the end zone.

A nice punt by James Behlke pinned the visitors back on their own 3-yard line, but Eitniear completed a pass to Jesse Kiefer, who romped 97 yards for a touchdown with 2:38 left in the first quarter. Kiefer ran in the two-point conversion, giving the Bobcats a 16-0 lead after one quarter.

The tough Bobcat defense once again held C-S without a first down and the aerial attack clicked again for Ottawa Lake Whiteford moments later when Eitniear found a wide open Zack Laroy for a 13-yard touchdown strike at the 8:31 mark of the second quarter. Jesse Kiefer ran in the two-point conversion for a 24-0 Bobcat lead.

The Panther offense continued to scuffle against the tough Bobcat defense and C-S once again found itself punting for a fourth time in the game after moving the ball just two yards.

The Bobcats scored their first rushing touchdown of the game when Cody Kiefer crossed the goal line from seven yards out with 5:54 left in the second quarter for a 30-0 lead. Eitniear ran in the two-point conversion.

C-S finally enjoyed a first down for the first time in the first half on a penalty on Ottawa Lake Whiteford, leaving the Panthers on their own 44-yard line.

C-S was able to finally dent the goal line on the drive when Dylan Butler hooked up with James Behlke on a 29-yard pass play that pulled the Panthers within 32-6 with 2:34 left in the second quarter. Kyler Skidmore ran in the two-point conversion.

The momentum generated by Behlke’s touchdown was short-lived, as Eitniear teamed up with Jesse Kiefer on a 38-yard touchdown pass play with 47 seconds left in the first half. The two hooked up again on the two-point conversion, giving Ottawa Lake Whiteford a 40-8 halftime cushion.

Senior Todd Myers, who has been held out of his normal quarterback role the last two games and only started Saturday at defensive back, was inserted as the Panther signal caller to give the senior a few last plays at quarterback in his high school career. Myers made the best of his time, taking his first snap and romping 66 yards down the left sidelines for a touchdown with 7:04 left in the third quarter. The two-point conversion was no good, leaving C-S with a 40-14 deficit after three quarters.

Jesse Kiefer added another Bobcat touchdown on an eight-yard run with 7:14 left in the game and Eitniear completed the scoring by running in the two-point conversion.

Myers led the C-S running game with 68 yards on just two carries and Noah Eshuis added 32 yards on 12 carries.

Zach Harris had 10 tackles, Jeremy Scherer contributed nine tackles, Logan Hunter had seven tackles, Eshuis eight and Ethan Simmons added six

Mendon Ends C-S’ Season In Regional Final

Scrappy Panthers Fall In 3 Games But Pushed Hornets

By Bruce Rolfe

Mendon took down the Climax-Scotts volleyball team in three games in Thursday’s regional championship match at Mendon, but the Hornets found out that the Lady Panthers weren’t going to go easy from the start to the end.

After pushing Mendon in all three games before falling short, 25-27, 27-29, 22-25, Mendon Assistant Coach Bill Trenary called the Lady Panthers a scrappy group that refused to quit and the team did just that.

Mendon advances to the quarterfinals Tuesday.

C-S had to play catchup for most of the first game, but the team never trailed by more than four points.

C-S finally caught the Hornets on an Evelyn Lamb kill that knotted the game at 15-15 and then the team registered two straight points for a 17-15 lead.

The game remained close until the end.

The Panthers escaped defeat by knotting the game at 24-24 on a Mendon attack error, and then C-S had a chance to win when the team moved in front 25-24. Mendon rallied to score the next three points to pull out the win.

The second set had drama and was close the majority of the way as well.

Mendon moved in front 7-2 and led 18-9 before C-S started a comeback.

In fact, the Lady Panthers battled all the way back to move in front 25-24 on an Emily Wagar ace, but Mendon pulled out the win.

C-S trailed the entire way in the third set, but did make the Mendon fans a little nervous by pulling to within 23-22 before the Hornets scored the next two points to claim the game and regional championship.

 

Panthers Earn More District Championship Hardware; Will Host Ottawa Lake Whiteford Next Saturday


Strong Defense Is Key In 14-6 Win Over Pittsford


By Bruce Rolfe

   A day after the Climax-Scotts girls volleyball team earned a district championship trophy on the volleyball court, the Panther football team enjoyed the same euphoria on the football field by downing Pittsford 14-6 in the Division 8 District Championship game at C-S High School Friday.

   C-S, now 11-0, will host Ottawa Lake Whiteford (9-2) Saturday at 1 p.m. in the regional championship game.

   The district championship as the fourth for C-S in football and first since 2011. when the Panthers clipped Pittsford 15-7.

   Coming off a historic win over Mendon last Friday in an emotional pre-district game, the Panthers brought plenty of energy, but were hanging by a thread at times against a determined Wildcat squad. 

   After giving up just one first down on Pittsford’s first set of downs, it didn’t take long for C-S to get into the end zone.

    Dylan Butler took the first play from scrimmage, bolted around the right side and outran a host of Pittsford players to the goal line for an 84-yard touchdown run at the 8:57 mark. Jeremy Scherer ran in the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead after one quarter.

   The defenses then took over the rest of the way, with momentum swings going both teams’ ways by coming up with key third and fourth down stops.

    The Wildcat defense came up with a big stop on a C-S fourth and three play to start the second quarter, taking over at the Panther 40-yard line.

   Pittsford was able to move down to the Panther 29-yard line but C-S stole some of the momentum back when Noah Eshuis pounced on a fumble with 9:33 left in the second quarter on the Panther 25-yard line.

   The Wildcat defense forced C-S to punt and it wasn’t long before Pittsford was knocking on the door  at the C-S 11-yard line.

   The tough C-S defense stiffened and forced the Wildcats to try a 26-yard field goal that missed the mark at the 5:42 mark of the second quarter.

   The Panther offense struggled to move the ball against the tough Wildcat defense and the Panthers were forced to punt again.

   A big catch by Tanner Mracvec that covered 38 yards put the Wildcats on the C-S 20-yard line.

    Pittsford moved down to the Panther 12-yard line, but fumbled with 1:19 left in the half and C-S enjoyed an 8-0 halftime lead.

    While both teams enjoyed some big gainers in the third quarter, the defenses would not give up any points in the stanza.

   C-S moved down to the Pittsford 23-yard line but the Wildcats stopped the Panthers on a fourth and four late in the stanza, sending the Panthers into the fourth quarter with an 8-0 lead.

    The C-S defense came up with yet another big stop early in the fourth quarter when the Panthers stopped the Wildcats on a fourth and four at the Panther 16-yard line on an incomplete pass that gave C-S the ball on its own 16-yard line with 7:56 left in the game.

   Jeremy Scherer kept the drive going on a big seven yard pick up on a fourth and one play from the C-S 25-yard line and then moments later Scherer found a big hole and motored 66 yards for a touchdown down the right sidelines with 4:55 left in the game. The two-point conversion was no good but C-S enjoyed a 14-0 lead.

   Pittsford put the C-S fans on the edge of their seats by scoring a touchdown with 1:26 left in the game on a Wyatt Price to Mravac pass play that covered 32 yards. The extra point kick attempt was blocked.   

    Pittsford attempted an onside kick, but C-S got the ball on the Wildcat 49-yard line with 1:26 left in the game.

    C-S ran as much time off the clock as possible and fell short on a fourth and three play, giving Pittsford one last shot on its own 30-yard line with 11 seconds left.

    Price completed a pass to a teammate who ran up field, was hit hard and fumbled as the time ran out.

    Scherer led the Panthers on the ground with 112 yards on 11 carries and James Behlke had 14 tackles.

   C-S gained 324 yards on the ground, while Pittsford rushed for 183 yards and passed for another 149 yards. 

  Dylan Butler heads up field and scored on an 84-yard run during first quarter action Friday. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent) 

The Mendon Rock Has Finally Been Shattered


Panthers End 30-Game Losing Skid Overall , 7-Game Losing Streak In Playoffs To Hornets With 8-6 Win


By Bruce Rolfe

   The Mendon rock has not only been cracked, but shattered.

    Climax-Scotts used outstanding defense, gutsy performances all over the field and one huge interception by junior Noah Eshuis to post an 8-6 win over Mendon in the Division 8 pre-district contest at C-S Jr./Sr. High School Friday.

   The win sends the 10-0 Panthers into the district championship game next Friday at C-S High School at 7 p.m. against Pittsford.

   With C-S losing the last 30 games to Mendon overall and all seven playoff encounters against the Hornets, there was so much emotion not only because the team advanced to the district championship game, but the team finally tasted a victory over the Hornets, leaving many players with tears of joy falling down their cheeks after the game.

   The last C-S team to capture a win over Mendon was the 1977 team by a 28-14 score.

    With C-S clinging to an 8-6 lead late in the game, the Panthers had to punt and the Hornets started at their own 13-yard line with 2:43 left in the game.

   Mendon’s Trey Cook hooked up with Braxton Samson on a 15-yard pick up that put Mendon on its own 27-yard line.

   Moments later the Hornets converted on a third and two play from their own 35-yard line when Cook picked up five yards.

   Mendon came up with a nice pick up on a pass play to the C-S 43-yard line with 1:28 left in the game.

   Eshuis then came up with a huge interception at the C-S 35-yard line, returning the ball to the Panther 44-yard line with 1:08 left in the game.

    Moments earlier Harris appeared to have come up with a big interception near the C-S 40-yard line but a Mendon receiver pulled the ball away from Harris as he was falling to the ground.

    Mendon burned two times outs and the Hornet defense bristled, holding C-S to just five yards. C-S was penalized an additional five yards on a delay of game, forcing the Panthers to punt.

    The Panthers punted with 13 seconds left and Mendon made a return to its own 33-yard line but there was just one second left and time for one more play.

     Cook unloaded a long pass intended for Samson near the C-S 40-yard line but C-S senior Zach Harris got a hand on the ball that fell harmlessly to the ground, sending the Panthers and their fans into a frenzy.

     With starting quarterback Todd Myers unable to go at quarterback because of a high ankle sprain he suffered at New Buffalo last Friday, sophomore Dylan Butler filled in very impressively and led the Panthers on a 75-yard drive that used nearly 6:20 on the clock and was culminated by Eshuis’ one-yard touchdown run with 5:37 left in the first quarter.

    Butler hooked up with Zach Scholly in the right side of the end zone on the two-point conversion for an 8-0 C-S lead.

    Mendon came right back however, using its passing game to motor up field in a hurry.

     Cook enjoyed a 13-yard pickup from Cook to Samson and an 18-yard gainer from Cook to Cory Gross that put the Hornets on the C-S 17-yard line. A penalty on C-S moved Mendon closer to the goal line at the 8-yard line.

     Mendon enjoyed a two-yard pickup and then Cook teamed up with Samson on a three-yard touchdown pass with 1:45 left in the opening frame.

The tough Panther defense stopped the Hornets on the two-point conversion attempt, which turned out to be the difference in the game.

    The game remained scoreless the rest of the way, with both teams coming up with key defensive plays over the remaining three quarters.

     There was one scary moment with 7:54 left in the second quarter when C-S senior Trey Gower was injured and received attention by Climax Township Fire fighters and the C-S training staff for nearly a half hour on the field. He was taken to a local hospital with an upper body injury.

    Mendon had a chance to move in front with 2:47 left in the second quarter, but a 36-yard field goal attempt was wide left and the Panthers enjoyed an 8-6 lead at halftime.

     The Hornets had another chance to move in front with a 28-yard field goal attempt with 4:15 left in the third quarter, but a bad snap forced the Hornets to try a quick pass that fell incomplete and the Panthers took over possession on their own 10-yard line, allowing C-S to enter the fourth quarter enjoying an 8-6 lead.

    James Behlke came up with a key sack on a third down play with about 6:30 left in the game that pushed the Hornets from their own 33-yard line to the 22-yard line, forcing the visitors to punt.

   Both teams' defense certainly flourished Friday, with C-S allowing 151 yards in total offense, while the Hornets held the Panthers to 217 yards.

   The two teams enjoyed advantages where their strengths have been most of the year, with C-S churning out 217 yards on the ground while holding Mendon to just 17 yards. Mendon had the upper hand in the air, completing 12-of-22 passes for 134 yards while C-S did not attempt a pass.

   Jeremy Scherer had 80 yards on 13 carries to pace the Panther rushing attack. 

  Mendon's Cook was 12-for-22 for 134 yards passing.

   James Behlke, who had to sit out a portion of the fourth quarter with a leg cramp, had eight tackles and Logan Hunter added seven tackles.

 

  Dylan Butler heads up field during action against Mendon Friday at C-S High School. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent)

35-0 Win Over New Buffalo Gives Panthers 9-0 Regular Season Finish


By Bruce Rolfe

  Although it wasn’t as sharp of an effort as the teams’ big win over Spring Lake a week ago, the Climax-Scotts varsity football team had enough long stretches of solid play that helped the team to a 35-0 non-league win over New Buffalo Friday at New Buffalo.

   C-S earned its first regular season 9-0 finish since the 2012 team accomplished the feat.

  The Panther defense stood tall most of the night Friday, stopping New Buffalo twice with goal line stands near the one-yard line.

   The defense allowed 108 yards rushing and 38 yards passing.

   The Panther offense did not enjoy its typical eye-popping numbers, but still managed to have a very respectable 226-yard output on the ground.

   Both teams struggled with turnover issues throughout the game, and it was a New Buffalo fumble that Noah Eshuis pounced on that turned into C-S’ first points in the opening quarter.  

   C-S motored 51 yards after Eshuis recovered the fumble and Kyler Skidmore completed the drive with a one-yard plunge up the middle at the 3:31 mark for a 6-0 lead. The two-point conversion attempt was no good.

   New Buffalo moved inside C-S territory, but Skidmore recovered a fumble with 1:18 left in the opening frame and the Panthers settled for a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

   C-S was again in good shape after Zach Harris broke free and scampered 38 yards to the Bison 16-yard line, but New Buffalo stalled the drive when the Bisons recovered a Panther fumble on their own 15-yard line.

   The tough C-S defense held and the Panthers were soon back into the end zone.

    Moments after Logan Hunter converted on a big fourth and two play with a three-yard gain that put C-S on the Bison 41-yard line, Jeremy Scherer found a big hole and ran 34 yards for a touchdown with 5:41 left in the first half. L.J. Behlke ran in the two-point conversion for a 14-0 C-S lead.

   A New Buffalo fumble recovered by Zach Mobley moments after Scherer scored gave the Panthers the ball on the Bison 35-yard line and Scherer struck again, this time on a 35-yard run at the 5:24 mark, giving C-S two touchdowns in a span of 17 seconds.

   Todd Myers completed a pass to Skidmore in the right side of the end zone for a 22-0 C-S lead.

     New Buffalo enjoyed an impressive drive to the C-S seven-yard line, and eventually got to the one-yard line.

     But with no time outs left, the Bisons could not penetrate the C-S defense first on a third and one play and then again on a fourth and one play, and time ran out for a 22-0 C-S lead at halftime.

   A Zach Harris interception with 6:28 left in the third quarter set up C-S’ next score.

     Kyler Skidmore had a key 25-yard pickup in the drive and then Logan Hunter finished it moments later on a four-yard touchdown run with 1:55 left in the third quarter for a 28-0 lead.

    Austin Liska kicked the extra point for a 29-0 C-S lead.

     Skidmore recovered a fumble on the New Buffalo six-yard line with 1:40 left in the third quarter and Adam Schantz scored C-S’ final points on a six-yard touchdown run at the 1:37 mark for the final score. The extra point kick attempt was blocked.

     The tough C-S defense continued to frustrate the Bisons in the fourth quarter, however the home team came within a whisker of avoiding the shutout midway through the stanza.

     New Buffalo was knocking on the door, facing a fourth and six at the C-S six-yard line, but a host of Panthers would not let a Bison receiver who hauled in a pass near the goal line, enter the end zone, stopping the New Buffalo player near the one-yard line and the Panthers took over possession.

     C-S starting quarterback Todd Myers suffered a right ankle sprain with 4:01 left in the game and was helped off the field but the C-S senior appeared to be walking a little bit on the foot when the team left the field.

     Scherer had 105 yards on 11 carries to lead the C-S rushing attack.

    Ethan Simmons had nine tackles, Behlke had eight tackles and Mobley, Myers, Shantz and Hunter each had seven tackles.

     C-S will host the Community Selection Sunday Playoff Pizza Party Sunday at the C-S Cafetorium at 6:15 p.m. to learn who the teams’ first round playoff opponent is. The public is welcome.

 

     German foreign exchange student Enno Kruse kicks the extra point that established the final score Friday in C-S’ 48-7 win over Spring Lake. (Photograph by Bruce Rolfe - Property of the Climax Crescent) 

Panthers Take Game To New Level In 48-7 Win Over Spring Lake

Shoot For Undefeated Regular Season At New Buffalo Next Friday

By Bruce Rolfe

Whether it was a bad taste left over from last year’s 28-0 loss to Spring Lake that put the Climax-Scotts football team into the loss column for the first time, or wanting to win for their coach on his return to the school district he taught and coached at for six years, the Panthers took their game to a new level with a 48-7 win over Spring Lake Friday night on the road.

The 8-0 Panthers will attempt to enjoy their first regular season undefeated record since the 2012 team finished the regular season 9-0, next Friday at New Buffalo.

C-S started the game with high energy levels on both sides of the football.

The defense was especially impressive, coming up with two interceptions (one each by Logan Hunter and Adam Schantz), a quarterback sack (Kyler Skidmore) and one fumble recovery (Hunter).

While the Lakers enjoyed 150 yards on the ground and 56 yards in the air, the Panther defense would not allow the big play, with the exception of the only Spring Lake touchdown, which was a 50-yard run.

The C-S special teams unit also contributed to the big offensive surge when Jeremy Scherer blocked a punt that set up C-S’ final touchdown.

Logan Hunter opened the scoring on a 7-yard run with 3:07 left in the opening quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good but C-S enjoyed a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

In a game that featured many big plays, Hunter provided his team with an early jolt by intercepting a pass on the C-S 18-yard line after the Lakers started the second frame on the Panther 40-yard line.

A penalty on C-S pushed the Panthers back to their own 10-yard line, but as fast as you can say “look at him go”, Jeremy Scherer got to the outside and turned on the jets, romping 90 yards for a touchdown at the 10:41 mark for a 12-0 lead. Hunter ran in the two-point conversion for a 14-0 advantage.

The C-S defense continued to deflate the Laker offense when Adam Schantz came up with an interception on Spring Lake’s first play from scrimmage following the Panther touchdown, leaving the Panthers in good field position at the Spring Lake 28-yard line.

Moments later Scherer fought his way over from the one-yard line with 8:29 left in the first half for a 20-0 C-S lead. Todd Myers ran in the two-point conversion for a 22-0 lead.

Spring Lake momentarily stole some of the momentum back when quarterback Cameron Ball used his speed and motored down the left side of the field 50 yards for a touchdown at the 7:41 mark. Ball kicked the extra point for a 22-7 C-S lead.

C-S stopped another Spring Lake drive late in the quarter when Ball completed a pass on the C-S 10-yard line, but Myers forced a fumble on the reception and Hunter recovered the loose pigskin, sending the Panthers into the locker room at halftime with a 22-7 lead.

C-S then started the second half using big chunks of time off the clock, using nearly five minutes before Hunter crossed the goal line on a 12-yard touchdown run with 7:14 left in the third quarter for a 28-7 Panther lead (the two-point conversion was no good).

The defense then came up with one of its biggest stops of the night when a desperate Spring Lake squad went for a first down on a fourth and four play from its own 46-yard line. The tough C-S defense stopped the Lakers for just a one yard gain, taking over possession at the Spring Lake 47-yard line.

Moments later, James Behlke scored on a 17-yard touchdown run with 2:44 left in the third quarter for a 34-7 Panther lead after three quarters (the extra point kick was no good).

C-S wasn’t done yet.

Todd Myers scored on a 10-yard run at the 10:31 mark of the fourth quarter and Austin Liska toed the extra point for a 41-7 lead.

Moments after Scherer got a hand on a punt attempt that gave C-S the ball on the Spring Lake 25-yard line, Zach Harris crossed the goal line on a fourth and one play from the one-yard line with 6:06 left in the game. German foreign exchange student Enno Kruse kicked the extra point for the final score.

C-S, which amassed 417 yards on the ground, was led by Scherer’s 177 yards on 16 carries. Behlke added 73 yards on seven carries and Hunter pitched in with 64 yards on 12 carries.

Behlke and Zach Mobley each had seven tackles, Hunter added six, and Zach Tullis and Scherer both added five tackles.

 

Defense, Running Game Once Again Shines For Panthers


C-S Blanks Pittsford, 36-0


By Bruce Rolfe

   The combination of strong defense with a potent rushing attack is becoming a common formula Climax-Scotts has used to dispose all six of its opponents this season, and the recipe was once again lethal against Pittsford Friday night at C-S in a 36-0 homecoming win.

   C-S, now 6-0, rolled up 432 yards rushing while allowing Pittsford just 57 yards in total offense.

   The Panthers set the tone early when Todd Myers found a hole and turned on the jets, scampering 49 yards for a touchdown at the 10:38 mark for a quick 6-0 lead. Noah Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion.

   Both teams’ defense stood tall the rest of the quarter and C-S entered the second stanza with the 8-0 lead.

    Pittsford enjoyed a drive down to the C-S 17-yard line, but the Panther defense stopped the visitors on a fourth down play, giving the home team some momentum.

   James Behlke brought the big homecoming crowd to their feet with a brilliant 71-yard touchdown run at the 5:54 mark of the second quarter for a 14-0 Panther lead. Eshuis ran in the two-point conversion, making the score 16-0.

    C-S really deflated Pittsford’s spirits late in the second quarter when Jeremy Scherer came up with a fumble recovery with 43 seconds left in the first half, and then 38 seconds later, Myers scored on a 10-yard run with 15 seconds left in the first half for a 22-0 C-S lead. Austin Liska’s extra point kck gave the Panthers a 23-0 halftime lead.

    Zach Harris gave his team some separation by scoring on a 30-yard run with 3:12 left in the third quarter. Liska’s extra point kick attempt missed the mark, but the Panthers enjoyed a 29-0 lead .

   Behlke then came up with another spectacular run when he broke around the right side of the line and used his speed to scamper 46-yards down field for a touchdown with 1:38 left in the third quarter and a 35-0 lead. Liska’s extra point kick established the final score.

    Behlke had 135 yards on six carries, Myers finished with 129 yards on 10 carries and Jeremy Scherer had 53 yards on 10 carries.

   Zach Mobley had six tackles, Behlke came up with five tackles, and Eshuis, Ethan Simmons and Logan Hunter each had four tackles.

   C-S will travel to Bellevue Friday.

   

 

C-S Baseball Team Claims “Community” District Title

Fans, Players Work Diligently 1 1/2 Hours To Get Field In Shape After Heavy Rains Moved Through Area

By Bruce Rolfe

The big news for the Climax-Scotts varsity baseball team last Friday was the team won the district championship with a 19-1 win over Bellevue followed by a 5-1 victory over Battle Creek St. Phil in the District title game.

While the players won the district title with hard work on the playing field, it was a blue collar effort by players and community members separate from the game that helped the Panthers complete the process.   To read rest of story purchase the June 5, 2015 Climax Crescent available June 4, 2015 at Quik Stop in Climax, Pease Packing, Scotts, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent 


District Championship Brings Appreciation For C-S Baseball Team

By Bruce Rolfe

Sure, beating their prime league rival in the district championship meant a lot for the Climax-Scotts varsity baseball team.

But mixed in with the euphoria of winning the district championship following C-S’ 5-1 victory over Battle Creek St. Philip last Friday in the District Title game was a sense of appreciation because of the quality of team St. Phil was.  To read rest of story purchase the June 5, 2015 Climax Crescent available June 4, 2015 at Quik Stop in Climax, Pease Packing, Scotts, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent 


A Tough Way To See The Season End

St. Phil Tops C-S Volleyball Team In 3 Games

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts volleyball team saw its season come to an end Thursday at C-S Jr./Sr. High School in the regional championship match, falling to Battle Creek St. Phil, 3-0 (25-10, 25-22, 25-12.

C-S completes the season with a 61-48 record in all games and 21-17-5 in matches overall.

The success the Lady Panthers enjoyed in many areas throughout the districts and regional semifinals, were not as prevalent against the Fighting Tigers.

St. Phil brought up many balls C-S had put down throughout the districts and regional semifinal. 

The Tigers had C-S playing defense for much of the night, taking the Panthers out of its offense most of the match.

C-S started on a positive note by registering the first two points of the first game, but St. Phil reeled off 14 straight points and never looked back.

The closest C-S managed to get the rest of the way was 15-5 on a return error.

C-S battled St. Phil hard throughout the second game. There were five ties and St. Phil’s largest lead was four points.

C-S pulled to within 23-22 on a Tiger attack error, but the Tigers scored the next two points to finish the set.

C-S would not quit and stayed close for most of the third set, however St. Phil moved in front 19-9 and finished off the Panthers with a 6-3 run.


  

Panthers Capture 3rd Straight District Championship

Winning Drive Covering 97 Yards Capped By Butler To Borden Pass With 1:14 Left In Game

By Bruce Rolfe

Climax-Scotts and Pittsford have clashed for some memorable games over the years, but Friday night’s 14-13 district championship game win for the Panthers just might top the list.

The 9-2 Panthers advance to the regional championship game either next Friday or Saturday against the winner of Saturday’s Mendon-Muskegon Catholic Central game being played at Mendon.

The district championship is C-S' third straight.

Facing adversity before and throughout the game, the Panthers some how found a way to battle back for the come back victory.

The fourth quarter was filled with drama and big plays.

Pittsford, which finishes the season with a 9-2 record, thought it had scored a key touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a fourth and seven 22-yard touchdown pass play, but a holding penalty on the Wildcats erased the touchdown and the Wildcats ended up punting. 

Trailing 13-8, C-S faced a tall task when the Pittsford punt rolled to the Panther 3-yard line with 10:04 left in the game.

With 97 yards to go, the Panthers used a strong running attack, and two timely completions on the winning drive.

C-S kept the drive alive with a handful of key plays, starting with Cole Eshuis’ six-yard pick up on a third and four play from the Panther nine-yard line.

Dylan Butler had a big 13-yard pick up to garner another first down. C-S kept the drive alive again on a fourth and two play with just enough yardage to get the first down and then a Butler to Brock Borden pass covering nine yards with 4:16 left in the game put the Panthers on the Wildcat 20-yard line.

Moments later the Panthers came through with another key first down on a fourth and one play by picking up just over one yard with 3:02 left in the game.

With the clock running down and facing a third and six from the Pittsford 17-yard line, Butler threaded a perfect pass to Brock Borden over the middle and Borden ran into the end zone for the deciding touchdown with 1:14 left in the game.

The two-point conversion attempt failed.

Pittsford enjoyed a strong kick return to its own 41-yard line and immediately went to the air. Burger completed a short pass to Skylor Osborn for 11 yards, putting the home team on the C-S 41-yard line.

An incomplete pass followed by a five-yard penalty on the Wildcats, pushed Pittsford back to its own 47-yard line.

Burger attempted yet another pass, but it fell incomplete and the Wildcats now faced a third and 15. A 10-yard pickup put Pittsford on the C-S 44-yard line with 33 seconds left, but the home team now faced a fourth and five.

Burger tried to find a receiver down field but his pass was incomplete, giving C-S the ball on its own 44-yard line. The Panthers ran one play and the clock ran out, sending the huge C-S crowd and players on the field and sideline into a frenzy.

C-S faced some question marks before the game even started, with senior Zach Tullis still battling an ankle sprain he suffered in the Fulton-Middleton win, and senior Nathan Vickery suffering from a virus.

But the team dug down and went toe to toe with a very physical Pittsford team.

The Wildcats struck first when Justice Geletzke scored from the one-yard line with 7:30 left in the first quarter. Cage Hodos’ extra point kick made the score 7-0.

The Panthers managed to drive to the Pittsford 34-yard line, but could not convert on a third and three pass play, settling for a 7-0 deficit after one quarter.

Pittsford was on the verge of moving in front by two touchdowns, but the Panther defense came up big.

The Wildcats advanced to the C-S 11-yard line, but Pittsford threw incomplete passes on third and three and fourth and three plays, giving C-S the ball back with 4:22 left in the first half.

The Wildcat defense kept C-S pinned deep into Pittsford territory, forcing the visitors to punt.

Pittsford, enjoying good field position at the C-S 40-yard line with 1:58 left in the half, executed both in the air and on the ground to advance to the C-S 10-yard line.

Burger plowed ahead for a nine-yard pickup and then the 6’3” junior finished the drive with a two-yard plunge with just 33 seconds left in the first half. The extra point kick attempt was no good, but the Wildcats entered the locker room at halftime with a 13-0 lead.

C-S came out after the break energized and needed just 1:23 in the third quarter to get on the scoreboard.

A 50-yard pickup by Dylan Butler set up Zach Tullis’ 13-yard touchdown run on the next play at the 10:37 mark. Vickery ran in the two-point conversion, pulling C-S to within 13-8.

C-S seized even more momentum when the Panthers recovered an onside kick after Tullis’ touchdown run at the Wildcat 48-yard line but the visitors fell short on a fourth and one play, stalling the drive.

The rest of the quarter was filled with strong play from both teams’ defenses, and the Wildcats entered the fourth quarter clinging to a 13-8 lead, setting up the wild ending.


C-S’ Balanced Attack Too Much For St. Phil

Boomershine Pours In 24, Eshuis 23

By Bruce Rolfe

Climax-Scotts used a balanced scoring attack, fueled by strong ball movement, to post an 87-63 SCAA boys basketball win over Battle Creek St. Philip Friday on Winterfest night at C-S Jr./Sr. High School.

The 87-point outburst of four points off the season high 91 points C-S scored in a 91-79 win over Burr Oak.

The win gives C-S a 7-9 overall record and a 6-6 mark in the SCAA.

St. Phil had no answer for the two-headed monster of Riley Boomershine and Cole Eshuis.

Eshuis, who knocked down four three-point baskets, sparked C-S’ first half effort with 19 of his 23 points, while Boomershine scored all 24 of his points in the second half.

Strong scoring support also came from Tyler Warner, Nolan Audette and Zach Kienast, with eight points each.

The Panthers established an uptempo right from the opening tip, enjoying a double digit lead by the 3:11 mark of the opening quarter and using strong defense to force four St. Phil turnovers in the quarter.

Justice Steiner got the Tigers on the scoreboard with 5:21 left in the first quarter after C-S took a 5-0 lead, but the Panthers ran off 16 unanswered points to enjoy a 21-2 lead after one quarter. 

A three-point basket by Joel Richardson with 4:42 left in the second quarter stretched C-S’ lead to 20 points (31-11) and a pair of free throws by Kienast with 2:39 left in the second quarter gave C-S a 37-13 lead. Two free throws by Brock Borden with 10.4 seconds left sent the home team into the intermission with a commanding 42-18 lead.

While the Tigers enjoyed their biggest offensive quarter in the third stanza, C-S countered with a steady arsenal from the outside and in the paint.

Boomershine, who had 13 points in the third quarter, penetrated the lane often and drew fouls. The C-S senior was 6-for-8 in the quarter at the line, helping the home team to a 64-43 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Boomershine continued to frustrate St. Phil in the fourth quarter when he scored 13 points with bursts through the lane for easy baskets and trips to the free throw line where he was 5-for-6.

C-S’ aggressive approach attacking the rim helped the Panthers get to the free throw line 36 times and the team converted on 26 of their attempts.

C-S will play at Lawrence Tuesday.

Patience, Humility Paying Off For Janae Langs At GVSU

2013 C-S Graduate Is Team Leader In Scoring, Rebounds, Assists

By Bruce Rolfe

When you are one of the super star players on your high school basketball team, making the transition to the collegiate level where you’re surrounded by an entire roster full of supreme athletes, can be challenging and humbling.

Starting games and enjoying plenty of game playing time was something 2013 Climax-Scotts High School graduate Janae Langs was used to at C-S. For rest of story and more local news pick up our February 17, 2017 Climax Crescent available NOW at Quik Stop in Climax, and Bowman's BBQ in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  Subscribe to the Crescent by following the picture of the newspaper on the right side of our home page.


Matt Middleton Looks Forward To Next Football Opportunity At Hope College

C-S Senior Signs Letter Of Intent

By Bruce Rolfe

Sometimes influences away from the football field steer an athlete to one college or university over another.

Climax-Scotts High School senior Matt Middleton said the relationship he developed with some Hope College football coaches at Fellow for Christian Athletes camp the last few years was a big factor in his decision to attend Hope College. For rest of story and more local news pick up our February 17, 2017 Climax Crescent available NOW at Quik Stop in Climax, and Bowman's BBQ in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  Subscribe to the Crescent by following the picture of the newspaper on the right side of our home page.


Interior Defense Hurts C-S Boys; Boomershine Sits Second Half With Hand Injury

By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax-Scotts boys varsity basketball team hit the half way point of the regular season on a down note in more ways than one Friday.

The Panthers fell to 5-5 after suffering a 65-54 loss to Battle Creek St. Philip, but even more vital is the team lost their leading scorer, Riley Boomershine, in the second half to a right hand injury.

Boomershine said he injured the hand in the second quarter, tried to play through the pain and did not play in the second half. It appears he suffered a right wrist injury. He said x-rays will be taken.

C-S trailed 14-13 after one quarter and 31-23 at halftime and faced an uphill battle most of the game. A three-point basket by Joel Richardson 23 seconds into the third quarter pulled the Panthers to within 33-26, but that was as close as the visitors would get.

St. Philip, now 7-5, consistently scored inside the paint in the third and fourth quarters, and the Panthers could not put together any significant runs other than two straight three-point baskets by Joel Richardson and Cole Eshuis that pulled C-S to within 45-35 with 3:15 left in the third quarter.

The Panthers settled for a 50-43 deficit after three quarters when J.C. Downey scored a basket down low with 59.4 seconds left in the stanza.

Frustrations at the offensive end (4-13 in the quarter) combined with turnovers (three) prevented the Panthers from mounting any type of comeback in the final stanza.

C-S enjoyed a solid start, moving in front 13-8, however St. Phil freshman Connor Gausselin knocked down consecutive three-point baskets to pull the Tigers to within 14-13 after one quarter.

The Tigers continued to attack the rim on a Drew Lantinga basket inside the paint, but also had the three-point basket working early in the second quarter when Zach Nelson connected on a pair of three-point baskets to help the home team move in front 23-13 by the 6:02 mark.

A three-point basket by Nathan Vickery with 1:28 left in the second quarter pulled C-S to within 31-23 at halftime, however Richardson’s release of a successful three-point basket a tick after the halftime horn sounded was ruled too late and did not count.

Cole Eshuis finished with 20 points, Jake Lane had 12 and Richardson finished with seven points.

C-S will host Pittsford Tuesday.


Panthers Top Burr Oak 91-79

  There certainly wasn?t many offensive struggles at Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School Friday.

 Four Panthers reached double figures and the home team enjoyed its largest quarter in years, helping Climax-Scotts to a 91-76 win over Burr Oak.

  Riley Boomershine filled the stat sheet with 36 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocked shots.

  C-S moved in front 19-14 after one quarter, but the Panthers exploded for 32 points in the second stanza for a 51-39 advantage at halftime. C-S Coach Steve Critchlow, currently in his sixth year as Panther coach, believes the 32-point output is the largest quarter one of his teams has enjoyed since he has been varsity coach at the local school. Burr Oak pulled to within 67-56 at the end of three quarters, but the Panthers enjoyed another big fourth quarter with a 24-point outburst.

  Jake Lake contributed 14 points and five rebounds, Nathan Vickery pitched in with 10 points and three assists, Joel Richardson added 10 points and Tyler Warner scored eight points.

  C-S, now 4-4, will host former SJV rival Centreville Tuesday.

Lady Panthers Can’t Catch Bellevue 

A big second quarter by Bellevue and an even bigger game by Bellevue’s Bailey Whitcomb helped the Broncos to a 57-41 win over Climax-Scotts at C-S Jr./Sr. High School Friday.

Whitcomb finished with 33 points including a 9-for-9 performance at the free throw line.

After the two teams battled to a 13-13 tie after one quarter, C-S took an early lead in the second quarter 15-13 on Evelyn Lamb’s offensive stick back with 7:38 left in the stanza. However that would be the final points C-S would score in the quarter until Lamb split a pair of free throws with 2:36 left in the second frame for a 26-16 Bronco lead.

A three-point basket by Peyton Nabozny sent C-S into the lockkerroom at the break trailing 28-19.

C-S played well in the third quarter but seemed to wear down and trailed by a 40-31 count.

The Panthers managed to get to within eight points in the final quarter but the Broncos, who made 22-of-27 free throws in the game, were able to hold off the home team.

Brenna Tutt paced C-S in scoring with 17 points.

C-S, now 3-2 overall and 3-1 in the SCAA, will be idle until December 30 at home against Quincy.


Players Start New Tradition Joining C-S Band Singing Fight Song After Home Win

By Bruce Rolfe

Climax-Scotts senior Austin Liska, a member of the C-S varsity football team, has had an idea tucked away in the back of his mind for quite some time and he wanted to put the plan into action this year.

Liska, also a member of the C-S Jr./Sr. High School band, knows the band plays an important role in promoting school spirit and he wanted to take it to a new level.  For rest of story and more local news pick up our September 9, 2016 Climax Crescent available September 8, 2016 at Quik Stop in Climax, and Bowman's BBQ in Climax, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  

Early Exit From District Tournament Is Disappointing For Lady Panthers

Strong Nucleus Returning Leaves Coach Optimistic

By Bruce Rolfe

Climax-Scotts varsity softball Coach Pam Macomber’s biggest fears heading into a district tournament semifinal game clash with Bellevue came to fruition, last Friday, as the Lady Panthers fell to the Broncos in the district opener, 8-6 at C-S High School.

 To read rest of story purchase the June 5, 2015 Climax Crescent available June 4, 2015 at Quik Stop in Climax, Pease Packing, Scotts, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent 

C-S 4x100-Meter Relay Team Settles For 15th Place Finish At State Finals

The Climax-Scotts 4x100-meter relay team was hoping for a top 8 finish and All-State medals at last Saturday’s Division 4 State Finals at Hudsonville, but instead, the team had to settle for a 15th place finish.

With three freshmen and one junior, the Panther relay team was not only relatively young, but all four athletes - freshmen L.J. Behlke, Dylan Butler and Zach Tullis and junior Zack Mobley - were making their first appearances at the State Finals in track.  To read rest of story purchase the June 5, 2015 Climax Crescent available June 4, 2015 at Quik Stop in Climax, Pease Packing, Scotts, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent 

C-S Golf Team Completes Season With Setback To Union City

The Climax-Scotts golf team completed the season May 22 with a non-league loss to Union City, 189-246 at Turtle Creek Golf Course.  To read rest of story purchase the June 5, 2015 Climax Crescent available June 4, 2015 at Quik Stop in Climax, Pease Packing, Scotts, Scotts Country Store and Deli and Scotts Corner Cafe' in Scotts and the Galesburg Hardings Market, or stop by the Crescent  


 

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