LEIPSIC — Leipsic advanced in the Division VII postseason with a 36-28 win over Pandora-Gilboa in a Blanchard Valley Conference rematch on the Region 26 side of the bracket. The Vikings had taken the first meeting between the teams 12-7 back in September.

Pandora-Gilboa scored first, but Leipsic responded in the opening quarter when Marc Kirkendall rolled right and connected with Mill Paniagua for a touchdown.

After a Rockets fumble, the Vikings extended their lead as Aaron Hazelton powered through defenders for another score, making it 22-7.

Pandora-Gilboa closed the gap when quarterback Cory Gerten hit Jace Fenbert downfield for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to nine.

Leipsic added to its lead in the fourth quarter as Kirkendall faked a pitch and ran it in himself, and the Vikings converted the two-point try to go up by 17.

The Rockets kept fighting, with Gerten finding Zahnder Boggs for a touchdown to pull within striking distance.

But Leipsic held strong in the closing minutes, securing the 36-28 victory and setting up a matchup with Columbus Grove next week.

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