Chase Lemke, Ayden Hudock have become must-watch connection for Franklin Regional

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Franklin Regional quarterback Chase Lemke and receiver Ayden Hudock were in a rhythm at just the right time as the Panthers pursued a playoff spot.

Franklin Regional (6-2, 3-1) was primed for a Week 9 matchup against Penn-Trafford (4-4, 3-1) in the Class 5A Big East Conference finale.

Lemke and Hudock have become must-watch offense for the Panthers.

The pair hooked up for two more touchdowns in a 38-15 win at Hempfield.

Lemke, a first-year starter, was 10 of 14 for 208 yards, and Hudock caught six for 110 yards in the Panthers’ fourth straight win.

The previous week, Lemke threw for 247 yards and tossed four TDs, three to Hudock, who had five catches for 168 yards.

“The thing is, we have a connection off the field,” Lemke said. “We talk about plays and routes all the time. That carries over into games.”

The Panthers had won four straight as they prepared to host North Hills in a nonconference game.

“I am getting a lot more comfortable in the pocket,” Lemke said. “At first, we were a more run-heavy team. But we’re getting more balanced.”

Coach Luke Getsy has been impressed with the progression of Lemke.

“Chase did a great job with his reads tonight,” Getsy said after the Hempfield win. “(Hempfield) had everyone up in the box, so we adjusted to that. Chase was very good in the first half.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional