The Ballard football team put together a dominant performance in their 55-28 homecoming victory over the Creston Panthers on Friday night.  The Bombers secured their first win of the year behind an explosive offensive showing and a stout defense.

The Bombers wasted no time getting on the board, scoring 13 points in the first quarter and adding 14 in the second to head into halftime with a commanding 27-6 lead.  Quarterback Mason Gatchel and sophomore Bryce Miller led the aerial attack, combining for five passing touchdowns.  Gatchel went 14-for-20 with 232 yards and four touchdowns, while Miller contributed another score, completing six of his nine passes for 101 yards.

The Bombers' passing game was on point, with several receivers getting in on the action.  Sophomore Parker Miller had six catches for 38 yards and three touchdowns, while junior Jude Gibson caught three passes for 71 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown reception.  Senior Nicolas Schonhorst also contributed with a touchdown catch.

On the ground, Gibson shined with 101 rushing yards on five carries, including a 54-yard burst for a touchdown.  Senior Rhett Hedrick added 34 yards on six carries, with a 21-yard scamper for a score.  The Bombers' balanced attack tallied 333 passing yards and 169 rushing yards.

Ballard's defense was relentless, holding Creston scoreless in the second quarter and limiting them to just one touchdown in the third.  Senior Jackson Wacha led the defense with 15 tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss.  Hedrick also made his presence felt with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss.

The Bombers' secondary was opportunistic, forcing four interceptions. Junior Dillon Shoen grabbed two of those picks, while Gibson and sophomore Cole Berka each snagged one.

Gibson made a huge impact on special teams, returning two kicks for 148 yards, including a 94-yard touchdown that electrified the homecoming crowd.

After the win, the Bombers improve to 1-2 (0-0) on the season.  The Bombers will face Dallas Center-Grimes on the road on Friday, September 20, with the freshman game starting at 4:15 PM and varsity kicking off at 7:00 PM.

Photo Credit: Richie Thompson Photography