Hogs at the trough
Saucon Valley did indeed stay undefeated and improved to 3-0 in their Friday night home opener. You never would have guessed they were the victors, however, based on the post-game reactions of the Panther coaches and players. Saucon’s biggest opponent seemed to be themselves Friday night. The Panthers overcame a number of fumbles and penalties to get a 35-7 victory against the Palmerton Blue Bombers. It wasn’t pretty, but they got the job done.
Through the course of Saucon Valley’s first ten offensive plays, the Panthers put the ball on the ground three times. The Panthers lost two of those three fumbles. Still, Saucon grinded to a 7-0 lead thanks to Brandon Holub’s 52-yard scramble run for a touchdown. Holub’s score came with 3:33 remaining in the opening quarter.
Ryan Meyers played defense like Superman against Palmerton
To start the second quarter scoring the Panthers crafted a seven play, 90-yard drive that featured a 20-yard reception by sophomore Patrick Morrsissey, a 40-yard scamper by Zach “Lightning” Petiet and a 25-yard blast up the gut by Nate “Bulldog” Kehs. The drive ended in fashion when Alstan “Primetime” Wolfe scored on an 11-yard reception from Brandon Holub. Wolfe’s one-handed snag on the “Out” route in the end zone gave the Panthers a 14-0 lead with 10:18 to go in the first half.
The Bombers continued to scrap and with great execution converted a 4th and 11 fake-punt call from midfield. Palmerton picked up the first down and four plays later, on 4th and 10 from the Panthers 33, went “hitch-and-go” to draw a controversial pass interference call at the five-yard line. The 15-yard penalty gave the Bombers a 1st and 10 from the Panther 18-yard line. The penalty set up a Palmerton touchdown catch and run to close out the first half. The Panthers led at halftime 14-7.
Lined up and ready to go
The Panthers took the field for the third quarter energized and ready to go. They accepted the kickoff and forged a 7-play scoring drive highlighted by Nate Kehs 55-yard run deep into Bomber territory. Brandon Holub was credited with a 1-yard quarterback sneak for the eventual score. Saucon increased its lead to 21-7 with ten minutes remaining in the third quarter.
On the following possession, the Saucon defense was rock solid and held Palmerton to a three-and-out punt. It appeared as if the Panthers were hitting their stride. But it didn’t happen. Saucon Valley found themselves in…”Penalty-land.”
Alstan Wolfe’s had an electric 23-yard punt return down to the Bombers 35-yard line. Penalty. The Panthers, instead, were backed-up to their own 25.
Nate Kehs took a quick pitch 20-yards to the Palmerton’s 35 yard line. Penalty. Saucon was ordered back to their own 30 yard line.
The very next play Zach Petiet hit “gun sprint draw” for a 70-yard touchdown. Penalty.
The Panthers were on the verge of catching fire, but it just didn’t happen. Second & 35 was too much to overcome. Saucon was forced to punt. The Panthers were in an offensive funk.
The 2016 Jungle at Saucon Valley
The tough Panther defense stepped up again forcing another Bomber three-and-out. Saucon took over at midfield. On second down Brandon Holub went play-action pass and was forced to scramble to buy more time. Holub’s patience paid off as he found Alstan Wolfe for a 50-yard catch and run. Wolfe’s score energized the Jungle and put the Panthers up 28-7 with 1:58 left in the third quarter.
On the following possession the Blue Bomber offense was able to get one first down, but overall it was four plays and punt. After the Palmerton punt, Saucon took over at their own 35-yard line.
The final Saucon Valley scoring drive was highlighted with “Lightning” Petiet striking for a 20-yard run, Brandon Holub scrambling for 10-yards on a broken play, and Petiet again for 20-yards on the “Kerry’s Krunch” screen pass. From the Bomber 20-yard line, the Panthers pounded Palmerton four consecutive times straight up the gut behind the Hogs with Zach Petiet for the six points. Petiet’s touchdown and Josh Snead’s fifth extra point ended all scoring. The game was over with a bittersweet 35-7 Panther victory.
The big picture has the Panthers and their 3-0 record at the top of the Colonial League standings along with undefeated Notre Dame. There is no doubt the Panthers schedule is going to get more challenging and that they have some things to clean up. For sure, Coach Sams and his staff will be hard at work addressing their mistakes. Future penalties and turnovers will likely be ruinous.
Rest assured, these Panthers will fix all “fixables.” For sure, the Saucon Valley Panthers will be better next week when the Catasauqua Rough Riders come to town. Good luck Panthers, the Source is with you!
The Saucon Valley Marching band did not disappoint at the Panthers’ home opener.