FAIRFIELD — Fairfield head football coach Justin Townsend said he would’ve liked his chances if somebody told him beforehand the Mules would score 50 in their second round playoff game at home against Pana.

The problem was Panthers’ senior quarterback Max Lynch put on a show at the Trainyard, as Pana outscored Fairfield 68-50 to end the Mules’ season. Lynch was 14-15 for 202 yards and five touchdowns passing to go with 267 yards and two more touchdowns rushing, leading the Pana attack.

Meanwhile, Fairfield senior quarterback Eric Rodgers had a monster day as well. Rodgers accounted for six Mules’ touchdowns–four passing and two rushing. Three of Rodgers’ four TD passes went to Luke Duckworth.

Trailing 36-20 late in the first half, the Mules had a chance to make it a one score game before halftime, but a turnover led to another Panthers’ touchdown and a 42-20 deficit at the half. That turned into a potential three touchdown swing as Pana then scored on the opening possession of the third quarter to extend the lead to 48-20.

Then Panthers improve to 10-1 and will now visit unbeaten Decatur St. Teresa in the quarterfinals. The Mules finish their season at 7-4.