By NATE BEIER | For the County Line
The Royall football team was eager to put its best foot forward Friday night, as it needed to win to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Despite Royall taking an early lead, a second-half comeback by Cashton resulted in a 14–13 win for the Eagles and ended the Panthers’ dreams of a fourth straight playoff appearance.
Royall took control of the game in the first half, scoring 13 points. Zephyr Turner and Keith Schnurr each ended a drive with rushing TD.
However, Cashton found a way to ignite its offense in the second half, not only matching Royall’s score, but surpassing it for a 14–13 win.
Turner ended with 143 rushing yards on 19 carries. Schnurr added 22 yards, and Jameson Bender 18 on the ground.
Schnurr was 8–16 in passing for 145 yards and three interceptions. Max Benish caught five passes for 120 yards to lead the receivers.
Bender anchored the defense with 11 total tackles in the loss. Ty Dragan helped on 10; and Turner, eight. Ashton Roach had seven tackles.
The Eagles improved to 4–1 in league play and trail undefeated Bangor in conference standings. The two teams meet this week in Cashton.
Royall falls to 1–7 on the season and 1–4 in conference play. The Panthers will close the season at Hillsboro on Friday night.