Switzerland County Athletics

VEVAY, Ind. — The Switzerland County Pacers faced another difficult challenge Friday night, hosting a talented and ranked (#4) Milan team that used a powerful rushing attack and several big plays to pull away early, for a 46-3 victory. The Indians wasted little time taking control, scoring four touchdowns in the opening quarter to build a 26-0 advantage. Milan added another touchdown in the second quarter before the Pacers finally got on the scoreboard when Mason Hempfling connected on a school record setting, 42-yard field goal. Milan took a 40-3 lead into halftime and added another touchdown in the third quarter to complete the scoring. Milan finished with 357 yards of total offense, including an impressive 300 yards rushing on just 28 carries. The Bulldogs averaged more than 10 yards per rushing attempt and produced seven rushing touchdowns, including scoring runs of 12, 64, 67 and 41 yards. Switzerland County struggled to establish an offensive rhythm throughout the evening. The Pacers managed just 44 total yards, with 24 yards rushing and 20 passing. The Pacers recorded four first downs and converted 2-of-9 third-down opportunities. Aiden Mosley completed 8 of 18 passes for 20 yards, while Brackston Sullivan led the Pacers' rushing attack with 13 yards on eight carries. Sullivan also caught two passes for eight yards. Masin Stroud led Switzerland County with four receptions. The Pacers did find some positive moments defensively despite Milan's ability to hit big plays. Grayson Levell led Switzerland County with four tackles, an assist and a tackle for loss. Aiden Greene added three tackles, while Peyton Stewart and Stroud each recorded two tackles and an assist. Mason Hempfling added a tackle and an interception. Turnovers also played a role in the game, with Switzerland County committing four turnovers, including three interceptions, while Milan turned the ball over three times. The Pacers were also penalized 10 times for 35 yards. Coach Ryan Jesop credited Milan for its performance while acknowledging that his own team again struggled to get out of the gate. “We couldn't overcome another slow start offensively, and defensively we weren't able to limit the big plays that Milan was able to hit on us. When you give a team like Milan opportunities to make explosive plays, they're going to make you pay for it. We knew coming in that they were a very good football team, and they showed that tonight.” Jesop also praised the Milan program and coaching staff for the success the Indians have built. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for their coaching staff and what they've built at Milan. That's a really good football team, and you can see the discipline, physicality and confidence they play with. That doesn't happen by accident. It comes from the work those coaches and players have put in over the years, and they deserve a lot of credit for the program they've built.” While the final score was not what the Pacers wanted, Jesop said the experience will provide another opportunity for his young team to learn and improve. “We're a young football team, and right now we're learning some tough lessons. We have to find a way to start games better, eliminate the big mistakes and execute when we have opportunities. That's on all of us as coaches and players. We're going to keep working, keep teaching and keep fighting. This group has to understand that the only way we're going to get better is to learn from nights like this and come back to work.” The Pacers will now turn their attention to the next challenge on the schedule in conference opponent, North Decatur, as they look to correct the mistakes from Friday night and continue the development of a young Switzerland County roster.