HANOVER, Ind. – In their first NCAA playoff appearance since 2019, the Hanover Panthers defeated the Grove City Wolverines 23-15 in Saturday’s first-round game at Alumni Stadium.

How it Happened:

After a long opening drive ended scoreless for the Panthers, the defense faced a potential first-and-goal for the visitors. Freshman Kane Powell-Smith delivered the biggest play of the half, forcing a fumble at the 2-yard line that Brian Wall recovered and returned 35 yards. The turnover flipped the field and gave Hanover the spark it needed to kickstart its offense.
 
Just 38 seconds into the second quarter, Eian Roudebush capped a 9-play, 63-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to the right side, breaking the scoreless tie. Clint Hearne’s extra point made it 7-0.
 
The defense forced a three-and-out on the next series, and Hanover took over at its own 39. Aided by an offsides penalty and a pass-interference call, the Panthers marched 61 yards in 13 plays before Clint Hearne knocked through a 31-yard field goal, extending the lead to 10-0 with 7:53 left in the half. Grove City’s attempt to answer ended when its field-goal try sailed wide. The half ended with Hanover leading 10-0.
 
The Panthers opened the third quarter with another defensive stand, surrendering just 14 yards before forcing a punt. Eian Roudebush and running back Josh Williams then carved up the Wolverine defense, and Roudebush finished the drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak to make it 17-0.

Down 17-0, Grove City finally got on the board with 8:29 remaining in the game, cutting the margin to 17-7.

Hanover responded with a slow, methodical drive, eating nearly six minutes off the clock on a 75-yard touchdown march. Jack Pennington hauled in an 8-yard scoring pass from Roudebush. The PAT was no good, but the Panthers led 23-7.
 
Grove City added a late touchdown and two-point conversion with 1:47 to play, pulling within 23-15. The ensuing onside kick bounced Hanover’s way, allowing the Panthers to take a pair of knees and seal the victory.
 
The Stats:
 
Hanover racked up 360 yards of total offense while holding Grove City to 309. The Panthers had three rushers with 30+ yards on the day. Curbrian Shelby led the Hanover receiving corps with 87 yards on eight catches.

Up Next:

Hanover (9-2) advances to face top-seeded North Central (Ill.) on Saturday, November 29 at 1:00 p.m. ET.