North Star Obliterated Hancock (MD) in Out-Of-State Contest

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Baron Dionis | October 4, 2025

The North Star Cougars rode a big first quarter to defeat the Hancock Panthers 42-6 at War Memorial Field.

A big blowout win for North Star tonight, heading into the second half with the running clock. Their offense fired off all cylinders, while their defense forced three turnovers. Everything went right for the Cougars who look to turn this into a big playoff push.

“I thought we played well,” North Star Head Coach Bob Landis commented. “We came out and we said we needed to take care of business and we did.”

North Star took control of this contest early, scoring four touchdowns in the first quarter before the coaches agreed to reduce the quarters to eight minutes.

On the first play, North Star forced a fumble on a big hit from Will Eshleman and the Cougars got the ball in the red zone. Kasey Yoder quickly followed by hitting Cash Hawkins for a nine yard score.

Following a punt, Yoder ran over multiple Hancock defenders for a 28 yard gain. Eshleman punched it in from two yards out the next play.

Another punt led to another Cougar touchdown, this time from Xavier Scott on the jet from nine yards out.

North Star refused to let off the gas after just six minutes of play, this time getting an interception from Bryson Durst. A big 39 yard rush from Yoder led to Eshleman’s second score of the game from a yard out.

Hancock fumbled again and Durst added a score to his night from four yards out.

Another punt from the Panthers allowed Lincoln Paulin to score from nine yards out, giving North Star a 42-0 lead heading into halftime.

Only one drive from each team in the second half, headlined by Hancock’s lone score of the game. Quarterback Logan Hendershot ran it in from 10 yards out to break the shutout. The two point attempt failed.

“He (Hendershot) is one of our heart and souls,” Hancock Head Coach Greg Cartrette stated. “He just will not stop. He plays every play to the fullest that he can and that’s all I can ask for.”

North Star got the ball back and just ran the clock down, ending the contest 42-6. It wasn’t just one player standing out either, the entire Cougar squad contributed tonight.

“We spread the ball around tonight,” Coach Landis replied. “We just lined up and did what we needed to do. Didn’t really think too much about spread, we just took what they gave us.”

This win really helps the Cougars storm back into the District 5 playoff picture. The big question will be with their performance against Northern Bedford next week. North Star travels there and despite their record, the Cougars know it is always difficult to face off against them.

“Next week is going to be a big week,” Coach Landis explained. “We have to play well against Northern Bedford. We haven’t beat them in five years. The following week we’ve got Berlin, so these next two weeks are very important for if we’re going to play past week 10.”

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