The Black Panthers struggled out of the gate as each of their first three offensive possessions ended in turnovers deep in Mounties territory. The Mounties impressive first-half defense stifled every drive, not allowing a single point.

Their efforts were highlighted by an interception at the goal line by South Williamsport defensive back Dylan Scheller.

South Williamsport capitalized on Milton’s slow start. Quarterback Tadd Lusk showcased his rushing abilities, scoring two touchdowns on the ground to give the Mountaineers a 14-0 lead before halftime.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Milton's Chase Lytle tries to leap over South Williamsport's Dylen Scheller (88) in the second quarter.

After the break, Milton began another long drive deep into Mountaineer territory. However, their struggles continued, and they turned the ball over for a fourth time, this time on a fumble recovered by South Williamsport.

“We have playmakers and we proved that we can move the ball … (turnovers) just took too many points off the board for us,” Milton coach Matt Wilson said.

The Black Panthers eventually found the end zone late in the third quarter with a short pass from quarterback Chase Lytle, who connected with Lucas Ditty for a 41-yard score following a terrific zig-zagging run.

South Williamsport responded with a touchdown of their own to open the fourth quarter. Lusk once again ran the ball into the end zone, giving the Mountaineers their largest lead of the night at 21-6, just three and a half minutes into the fourth quarter.

The rest of the game belonged to Milton. Quarterback Chase Lytle, demonstrating poise and confidence, as he led his team out of the deficit late in the game. He quickly found Montgomery Fisher for a 26-yard touchdown followed by a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the deficit to 21-14.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Milton's Lucas Ditty (29) runs the ball against South Williamsport Friday night.

The Panther defense quickly forced a turnover on downs on the next drive. Milton then worked a long drive, gaining five first downs as the clock wound down. Trailing by just seven, the Panthers reached the Mounties’ doorstep with a first-and-goal from the six-yard line.

After two short runs and a pass, it came down to a fourth down with one yard to the goal line. Lytle and the Panthers pushed their way into the end zone, cutting the Mountaineer lead to a single point with 26 seconds remaining. Milton opted to try for the win with a two-point conversion.

Lytle threw a short pass to his left as his receiver broke outside and snuck in behind blockers for the successful two-point conversion, securing a 22-21 victory for the Panthers.

“It means a lot to these guys. There hasn’t been a game this season with a full roster (due to injuries) … we’ve always had a ‘rely on the next guy’ family mentality,” Wilson said.

Lytle accumulated 144 yards of offense and three total touchdowns in the second half during the remarkable comeback.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent South Williamsport's Ben Ferris celebrates after South recovered a Milton fumble.

For the Mounties, the loss drops their record to 1-3 as they look to their upcoming matchup with Wyalusing to kick-start an early-season turnaround. Meanwhile, Milton improve to 2-2 and will try to ride this gritty win’s momentum into next week.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent South Williamsport's Dylen Scheller (88) bats a pass away from Milton's Lucas Ditty.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent South Williamsport's Dylen Scheller (88) bats a pass away from Milton's Lucas Ditty.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Milton's Chase Lytle (8) is knocked off his feet by South Williamsport's Kasim Davenport (74).

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent South Williamsport's Dylen Scheller (88) leaps over the defense to make a catch in the first quarter.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent South Williamsport's Dylen Scheller (88) tries to split the Milton defense between Chase Lytle (8) and Schuyler Humphrey (11) in the first quarter.