Panthers Fall to Tigers 15-6 (Brought to You by Digital Oasis)
Friday night, playing on a soggy sponge 120 yards long and 53 yards wide, the Saucon Valley Panthers out-gained the Northwestern Lehigh Tigers 265 total yards to 78. The Panther defense held the Tigers to only five 1st downs while gaining 12 of their own. However, the outcome was in stark contrast to the aforementioned stats. The Panthers were quickly bogged down and could never really create any sustained momentum going their way. The Panthers slipped and fell to the Tigers 15-6.
Friday night, playing on a soggy sponge 120 yards long and 53 yards wide, the Saucon Valley Panthers out-gained the Northwestern Lehigh Tigers 265 total yards to 78. The Panther defense held the Tigers to only five 1st downs while gaining 12 of their own. However, the outcome was in stark contrast to the aforementioned stats. The Panthers were quickly bogged down and could never really create any sustained momentum going their way. The Panthers slipped and fell to the Tigers 15-6.
The Tigers jumped the Panthers on the opening kickoff. Northwestern Lehigh’s Trevor Cunningham fielded Josh Snead’s kick at his own four yard line. Cunningham flashed some fancy footwork as Panthers slid by him and then sprinted, dodged and powered his way 96 yards for a touchdown. The extra point was good. :17 seconds into the game the Tigers led 7-0.
With five Zach “Lightning” Petiet carries and a pass to Alstan Wolfe, the Panthers came roaring right back for a touchdown. Petiet struck from 19 yards out behind the right side of the Panther line. Offensive linemen Patrick Morrissey, Tim Weaver, Trey Polak, along with fullback Abe Lugo, led Petiet 19 yards into the endzone. Snead’s line drive extra point was ruled no good and the Panthers trailed 7-6 with 9:26 remaining in the first quarter.
On the next series the Panther defense forced the Tigers to go three-and-out. With the Tiger punt Saucon Valley regained possession at their own 35 yard line but the offense couldn’t get any traction. The Tigers returned the favor and forced a Panther punt. The snap, however, was high and just beyond the reach of Panther punter Josh Snead. Snead tracked the ball down, but was tackled at his own 10 yard line where the Tiger offense took over. Two plays later Northwestern Lehigh’s Phil Dangello powered in for a touchdown. The Tigers converted a 2-point try and extended their lead to 15-6 with six minutes remaining in the first quarter of play. The score held to the final whistle.
The Saucon Valley defense played very well and the offense did move the ball considering the sloppy conditions. However, the Tiger defense did not break and forced three Panther turnovers.
It was a disheartening loss for the Panthers who have dominated the Colonial League the past two and a half seasons. But, rest assured, the Saucon Valley Panthers will regroup, rally and move forward with steadfast resolve.
The Panthers (5-1) return home next Friday to do battle with the Northern Lehigh Bulldogs (2-4). As much as the loss to Northwestern Lehigh stings, our beloved Panthers will fix the fixable and come back stronger than before.
Shake it off and let it go guys, it’s time to get back to work. The Source is with you!
