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Pelham’s Derrick Bush (2) breaks free for a first down during the Panthers’ 60-41 win over the John Carroll Cavaliers on Oct. 28. (Reporter Photo/Neal Wagner)

By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

PELHAM – The Pelham Panthers will head into the offseason with some momentum after downing the John Carroll Cavaliers 60-41 in both teams’ final game of the season.

“We talked about it all week long, the seniors leaving out with a win and our guys going into the offseason with a win,” said second-year PHS head coach Tom Causey. “I thought our guys played strong all year long, except for a couple of opportunities we had where we didn’t. We’ve gotten a lot better, and I’m proud of the way our kids played this season and I’m proud of the way they finished tonight.

“Hopefully, this will carry over and build some momentum into the offseason,” Causey added.

The 60 points the Panthers (2-8, 1-5 region) hung on the Cavaliers (0-10, 0-6 region) marked Pelham’s highest point total since the 2006 season, when the Panthers scored 77 points against Jackson-Olin.

Pelham’s senior quarterback Elisha Hudson went out with a strong showing, connecting on 9-of-14 passing attempts for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Hudson also rushed for 97 yards and another touchdown on 10 carries.

Nicholas Blackburn led Pelham’s rushing attack, racking up 153 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. He was followed closely by Derrick Bush, who gained 119 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries.

Matthew Rye ran the ball four times for 23 yards, a touchdown and a 2-point conversion.

Tyler Wages had three receptions for 85 yards and three touchdowns.

Placekicker Jose Jimenez connected on a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

Defensive leaders for the Panthers were Jonathan Drake, who ended the night with 14 tackles, Ryan Jewel, who recorded 12 tackles and Vidal Solito, who had six tackles and an interception.

Pelham recovered two onside kicks in the victory.

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