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LOYSBURG -- The Northern Bedford Panthers came into Friday night's matchup against Wilmington searching for their first win of the season.
Unfortunately, the Greyhounds' ground game became too much for the Panthers to handle as they came up short in a 55-22 loss at Panther Community Stadium.
Despite the losing effort, the message remains the same for Northern Bedford.
"It's getting better," Northern Bedford coach Garry Black said. "If we just get a little bit better every week, we'll be where we want to be."
The Panthers put up a fight against the Greyhounds in the first frame behind a field goal by senior Adam Berry with 8:14 left and a 4-yard touchdown run by Ben Clark at the 0:32 mark.
In the second quarter, the Greyhounds took off and never looked back. Sophomore running back Cael Kettering racked up a 49-yard touchdown run to put Wilmington up, 21-10.
Later in the frame, sophomore Rowan Miller ran the ball in from 9 yards out for the score to give Wilmington a 35-10 lead going into halftime.
"I thought we were really firing on all cylinders with the backfield tonight," Wilmington coach Brandon Phillian said. "I thought all four of the ball carriers did a terrific job."
Junior Chase Mitcheltree led the charge for the Greyhounds in the second half, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter.
With 2:01 left in the fourth quarter, freshman Cameron Williams tallied a 3-yard touchdown run to seal the game for Wilmington.
Throughout the young season, Northern Bedford's youth continue to progress.
"Our guys are learning how to play football," Black said. "We're learning how to play the game and if we do that, we'll be where we want to be."
In the loss, Coach Black commended his players for their effort throughout the night.
"This first quarter was evident of it," Black said. "At one point we were up 10-7 I believe on a team that I think can play in the state final."
As the season progresses, the Panthers continue to learn and get better each day.
"If you want to get better and be better, and you play against what I think is the best, you can be pretty good," Black said. "You have to learn to rise to that occasion."
Play of the game: Rowan Miller racked up a 70-yard touchdown to put the Greyhounds up 35-10 at halftime.
Player of the game: Cael Kettering finished the night with 157 yards on the ground.
Unsung hero: Cael's twin brother, Cam Kettering, tallied three carries for 62 yards.
Most vital statistic: The Greyhounds' run game contributed 390 yards of the 416 total yards in the victory.
Records: Wilmington (2-1); Northern Bedford (0-3).
Next week: Wilmington travels to face Berlin Brothersvalley. Northern Bedford hits the road to play Everett.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Wilmington 14 21 0 6 -- 55
Northern Bedford 10 6 14 6 -- 22
First Quarter
NB--Berry 27 field goal, 8:14.
W--Cam Kettering 49 run (Tervo kick), 5:53.
NB--Clark 4 run (Berry kick), 0:32.
W--Cael Kettering 48 run (Tervo kick), 0:07.
Second Quarter
W--Kettering Cael 49 run (Tervo kick), 9:28.
W--Miller 1 run (Tervo kick), 6:21.
W--Miller 70 run (Tervo kick), 4:04.
NB--Donaldson 9 pass (kick failed), 0:16.
Third Quarter
W--Mitcheltree 19 pass from Miller (Tervo kick), 8:56.
W--Mitcheltree 35 run (Tervo kick), 5:27.
Fourth Quarter
NB--Ben Cottle 3 run (conversion failed), 9:38.
W--Williams 3 run (conversion failed), 2:01.
TEAM STATISTICS W NB
First downs 9 13
Total yards 416 299
Rushes-yards 29-390 37-192
Yards passing 26 107
Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 2-3-0 8-17-1
Punts-avg. 1-30 2-27
Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0
Penalties-yards 7-75 3-20
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Wilmington, Cam Kettering 3-62, Mitcheltree 8-90, Cael Kettering 5-157, Miller 3-18, Mistretta 1-3, Bruckner 4-32, Hagens 2-24, Pataki 1-2, Hetrick 1-(-1), Williams 1-3. Northern Bedford, Brennan 1-8, Brett Cottle 1-3, Schleinkofer 1-3, Clark 12-35, Donaldson 4-11, Black 1-3, Ben Cottle 1-5, Bowers 3-44, Snider 4-22, Baker 3-6, Free 2-8, Weimer 2-8, Lower 2-36.
PASSING--Wilmington, Miller 2-3-0-26. Northern Bedford, Ben Cottle 3-11-1-51, Clark 1-1-0-19, Baker 4-5-0-37.
RECEIVING--Wilmington, Mistretta 1-7, Mitchelltree 1-19. Northern Bedford, Clark 3-41, Donaldson 4-65, Swanseen 1-1.