Zach Thatcher hands off to Evan Culver as the Panther “Hogs” control the line of scrimmage
Last night, following the junior high and junior varsity scrimmages, Coach Matt Evancho’s Saucon Valley Panthers tenaciously defended their home turf against the visiting Dieruff Huskies. It was the last “dress rehearsal” for Saucon before Colonial League play begins next week.
It’s no secret that the Panthers have a high-octane offense that can score points in a hurry. Led by senior signal-caller Zach Thatcher, Saucon certainly did not disappoint, scoring four touchdowns and punting only once. But it was the prowling Panther defense that was most impressive.
The Dieruff offense was smothered and pressured all night long, running only a total of 20 offensive plays in the “2 Quarter” scrimmage. The Panther “D” mauled the Huskies on their way to a dominating shutout, allowing only two first downs (one of which was granted on a pass interference penalty). Also forcing a couple of turnovers, the Saucon Valley defense refused to let Dieruff cross the midfield stripe.
This Friday night at Salisbury High School it will all be for real. The 2015 Saucon Valley Panthers will take the first step in defending their 2014 Colonial League championship. Come on out and support your hometown Panthers. We hope to see you there!
Saucon Valley running back Evan Culver looks to cut back against Dieruff’s pursuit
Saucon quarterback Zach Thatcher with time to throw
Panther eighth-grader Jake Bruchak (75) bringing his pass rush against a Dieruff double-team in the junior-high scrimmage
