After two easy wins against Collinwood and Southview, Elyria Catholic wanted to show people they could hang with the top teams.

They got their chance Friday night against Cardinal Mooney, who beat the Panthers 59-14 last season, but once again Cardinal Mooney proved to be too much for Elyria Catholic as they rolled to a 49-20 win.

Offensively the Panthers were improved as Alex Alicea rushed for 100 yards and scored a touchdown, Danny Reaser threw for 136 yards and Josh Russ had 7 catches for 70 yards.

The problem was the defense could not stop the running game of Cardinal Mooney, led by Braylon Heard.

Heard, who has committed to play football at the University of West Virginia, rushed for 192 yards on just 11 carries. Overall Cardinal Mooney rushed for 278 yards.

If the Panthers want to be considered one of the best teams in Division IV, they will have to shore up their defense.