PANDORA, Ohio (WLIO) — Liberty-Benton extended its dominance over Pandora-Gilboa on Friday night, defeating the Rockets 42-9 for its sixth consecutive victory in the rivalry.

The matchup featured two of the top three teams in the Blanchard Valley Conference, but the Eagles quickly proved why they entered Week 7 averaging 48.5 points per game.

Liberty-Benton (7-0) jumped out to an early lead behind senior quarterback Connor Barbara, who connected twice in the first quarter with Seth Elchert. Elchert’s first touchdown gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead, and his second — coming with under a minute to go in the quarter — made it 14-0.

Pandora-Gilboa (record) tried to answer in the second quarter, but Liberty-Benton’s Karson Griffin intercepted a Rockets pass to halt the drive. Moments later, the Rockets’ defense responded when Alex Rutschilling sacked Barbara in the end zone for a safety, putting Pandora-Gilboa on the board, 14-2.

However, the Eagles quickly regained control. Barbara scored on a 4-yard rushing touchdown, and Liberty-Benton continued to pour it on in the second half.

The win keeps Liberty-Benton undefeated on the season and firmly in the BVC. title race

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