NORTH VERNON
The Seymour Owls played what coach Josh Shattuck said was a complete game to blank Jennings County 43-0 in Class 4A Sectional 23 semifinals.
“We got a defense score, we pulled our starters in the middle of the third quarter,” Shattuck said.
“Offensively Jennings County did some good things, which we knew they would. Our defense was phenomenal. The thing I was must proud of we challenged them at half time to blow it open and let those guys get in. We scored 16 quick points in about six minutes and got it to 36-0.”
The Owls took advantage of a fumble recovery and a pass interception to score touchdowns and held a 20-0 lead at the half.
Dustin Metz recovered a Jennings County fumble on the opening kickoff.
The Owls took over on the Jennings 37-yard line and scored in four plays with Zach Carpenter running 29 yards.
Midway through the second period Devin Hill intercepted a Panther pass and returned it 64 yards for a score to give the Owls a 12-0 lead as the PAT pass failed.
Later in the second quarter the Owls forced the Panthers to punt. Seymour began a drive at their own 29-yard line and ran eight plays with Alan Perry scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak.
Jackson Morris had a 17-yard run, Nathan O’Mara had an 18-yard run, Perry picked up 16 yards on one carry, and Carpenter ran 12 yards on another carry.
Carpenter ran the conversion to make the score 20-0 with 1:23 left in the half.
Carpenter had a big first half running the ball with 70 yards on eight carries, and Perry gained 43 yards on eight carries.
In the third quarter, Morris scored on a 36-yard run and Perry scored on a 1-yard run.
Seymour rounded out the scoring in the fourth quarter when Colin McCartney on a 10-yard run.
Seymour was able to empty their bench towards the end of the game.
“In the tournament, I’m willing to run the risk of losing the shutout or not winning as much to get our guys off the field,” Shatuck said. “I am really proud of our second group. It’s the right time to play a complete game. It’s really our first complete game of the year in every phase.”
Carpenter finished with 125 yards rushing on 15 carries.
It was the first shutout for the Owls since 2010, and it extends them to an eight-game winning streak.
The Owls (8-3) will be home against East Central Friday night for the championship.