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PANAMA - A power running game has been the answer all season long for both the Panama Panthers and the Silver Creek Black Knights, so it's no fluke that both schools entered Saturday's Section 6 Class D semifinal with identical 5-2 overall records.

Even though it's the postseason now, neither team felt the need to try anything new. The running game was revisited by both squads and the results told the story.

The Black Knights racked up 383 yards on the ground compared to 62 yards for the Panthers.

The rushing tandem of Zach Williams and Dylan Delong got a bulk of the carries for Silver Creek as they finished with 130 and 160 yards, respectively.

"That balance is what you hope for," Silver Creek coach Sean Helmer said of having several backs to go to. "If you become one dimensional you're easier to defend. (Williams and Delong) gave a great effort. Both have been great, they understand the offense and being able to finish their runs is what they work for."

Williams scampered for touchdown runs of 27 yards and one yard while Delong shot down the field for scores from 69 yards and 31 yards out.

The offense Silver Creek used to rack up 431 total yards is something Panama coach Chris Payne is quite familiar with.

"We both run in a base 'Wing-T' formation," Payne said. "They've been running it for a couple of more years than we have, but they came out and played a good game today."

In fairness to the Panthers, the game was much closer than 42-6. A score late in the second half for Panama brought the home team within 10 points at 16-6. After three quarters, it was still a manageable 22-6. In that third quarter, however, Silver Creek used one big play to regain the momentum and turn the game around.

The Panthers received the kick to start the second half. After stringing together several first downs behind the power running of sophomore Cody DiDomenico, which included a conversion on fourth-and-1, the Silver Creek defense rose up and forced a Panama punt after the Panthers marched down to the Black Knights' 35-yard line.

"We started rolling, but got stalled," Payne said. "I don't know how it happened, but we love these kids and they had a great season. Panama hasn't hosted a playoff game in 20 years."

When Silver Creek got the ball back after the punt, it was the 69-yard touchdown run from Delong that sealed the win. Silver Creek added three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and intercepted two passes against a Panama offense that was pressing to make plays.

Williams picked off the first pass then scored a touchdown shortly after. On the next Panama possession, Levi Jones hauled in an interception which led to a long touchdown run for Delong. That was with 4:49 left in the fourth quarter and it ended the scoring for the day.

The Silver Creek defense also played a big role, limiting the Panthers to only 78 yards of total offense on the day.

"We had a couple bad penalties and mistakes and that slowed us up a little bit," Helmer said. "We gave up a pass interference and had a personal foul called on us on their scoring drive, but gave up only six points. I can't complain about the defense."

If the Black Knights want to advance any further in the Class D playoffs, they won't be able to afford over 100 yards in penalties against a well-disciplined team in the Maple Grove Red Dragons next week.

"They're defending state champs," Helmer said. "I saw them last night in the pouring rain and they were doing whatever they wanted to. We know who they are and what they want to do, but our kids have wanted to have this shot."

On Saturday against Panama, the third piece to the rushing attack, Frank Sterlace, proved to be effective on the ground and in the passing game. Sterlace caught two passes for 30 yards and scored from 20-yards out in the second quarter to go with 52 yards rushing.

"Frankie Sterlace played a solid game for us on both sides of the ball," Helmer said. "Cody (Hehir) made some throws in big spots like he's always done and our offensive line played a solid game."