Turnovers hurt Potter-Dix in playoff defeat

Turnovers hurt Potter-Dix in its 52-40 playoff loss at Paxton on Oct. 30.

The Coyotes had three interceptions and two fumbles lost in the game. They also fumbled four other times, but did not lose them.

Potter-Dix ended the season with a 5-4 record. The Coyotes returned to the playoffs after a year absence.

“This was a tremendous group of young men,” Potter-Dix coach Dale Frerichs said. “I cannot say enough about all the members of this years team, especially our senior leaders. This group had all the intangibles you look for in a team!”

The Coyotes took a 12-6 first quarter lead, but Paxton stormed back in the second quarter for a 40-18 lead at the half. Frerichs said turnovers were the difference in the second quarter.

Potter-Dix forced Paxton into third quarter turnover trouble, as the Coyotes got back into the game. They outscored Paxton 20-6 in the third to make it a 46-32 game. The final score was 52-40, with Paxton winning.

Cameron Purcell led the Coyotes offensively. He was 19-of-35 passing for 229 yards, with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for a score. Jake Johnson caught seven passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns, while Cooper Hicks had seven receptions for 66 yards and a score. Kelsey Rozelle led the ground assault with seven carries for 75 yards and a touchdown.

The playoff loss was the second for the Coyotes in 2014 against Paxton. They lost 55-32 at home on Sept. 19. Paxton advanced to take on top-seeded Anselmo-Merna in these second round, and lost 74-13.

The Oct. 30 contest the final football game for six Potter-Dix seniors: Purcell, Johnson, Bradley Flohr, Zac Gotfrey, Cooper Hicks and Sammie Gingerich.

Score by quarter

Potter-Dix 12 0 20 8 - 40

Paxton 6 34 6 6 - 52

Passing

Cameron Purcell 19/35, 229 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT.

Rushing

Kelsey Rozelle 7-75 (TD), Jake Johnson 8-43, Cameron Purcell 9-(-1) (TD), Noah Nelson 4-(-2).

Receiving

Jake Johnson 7-84 (2 TD), Cooper Hicks 7-66 (TD), Coby Hicks 2-24 (TD), Noah Nelson 2-20, Kelsey Rozelle 1-35.

Solo tackles

Keveret Rusk 8, Coby Hicks 5, Noah Nelson 5, Cooper Hicks 1.

Assisted tackles

Cooper Hicks 18, Noah Nelson 12, Coby Hicks 11, Jake Johnson 10, Kelsey Rozelle 6, Sammie Gingerich 6, Keveret Rusk 5, Justice Palmer 4, Cameron Purcell 2.

Sacks

Sammie Gingerich 1 Cooper Hicks 1.

Interceptions

Kelsey Rozelle 1.

Rumble recoveries

Noah Nelson 1, Cameron Purcell 1, Sammie Gingerich 1, Kelsey Rozelle 1.

Fumbles caused

Sammie Gingerich 1, Keveret Rusk 1.