Fishers was dealt a tough loss in its opening game Friday, as North Central scored a touchdown with 54 seconds left in the fourth quarter to beat the Tigers 19-17 at Reynolds Tigers Stadium.
The Panthers led 13-7 at halftime, but Class 6A No. 10 Fishers took the lead in the third quarter when Jon Vore threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Gee. Ben Norton made the extra-point kick to give the Tigers the lead.
Norton then extended the lead early in the fourth by kicking a 25-yard field goal with 10:23 remaining. North Central made a long drive in the middle of the quarter, but turned the ball over on downs after Daniel Amadi chased down a Panther runner.
Fishers tried to run the clock down, but had to punt, and that set up NC’s winning score. The Tigers tried to make a comeback, but turned the ball over on downs after four incomplete passes. This was the first time the Panthers had beaten Fishers; the Tigers had won their first three games against North Central.
The Tigers’ first-half touchdown came from a 35-yard pass play from Vore to Will Syrus, with Norton making the extra-point kick.
Vore finished the game with 77 passing yards. Michael Noble was the leading rusher, with 50 yards on 16 carries.
Fishers will travel to Pike next week.
Will Syrus scored a first-half touchdown for Fishers on a 35-yard pass play. (Kirk Green)
Ben Norton kicked a fourth-quarter field goal and two extra point kicks.