Freshman Alex Magnotta
In their annual rivalry game against the Palisades Pirates, the Saucon Valley Panthers certainly had their work cut out for them. The Pirates who were much better than their 2-7 record indicated played with a whole lot of inspiration and spirit. The Panthers and Pirates battled fiercely forcing the game into an overtime period. Pirate kicker Zach Shoemaker ultimately decided the game when he connected on a 29-yard field goal to give Palisades a 16-13 victory. Even though the Panthers fell to the Pirates, there were some highlight-type plays to consider.
In this week’s edition of Panther Play of the Week, Saucon Valley, trailing 13-7 late in the fourth quarter, faced a 3rd & 10 from its own 16-yardline. The Panthers broke the huddle and aligned in a 3×1, shotgun set having freshman receiver, Alex Magnotta (#8), matched up with single coverage near the Palisades sideline. On the snap, Magnotta ran a sideline fade route while quarterback Travis Riefenstahl took a quick drop and delivered a well-thrown ball with a little air under it. Magnotta timed his leap perfectly, high-pointed the pass and held onto the football for a great catch. It was freshman to freshman for a 25-yard, first-down pass play. The Panthers did go on to score a touchdown and tie the score, but ultimately lost in overtime.
Watch as Magnotta high-points the fade ball that kept a Panther scoring drive alive against the Palisades Pirates!
Check out Alex Magnotta winning a jump ball!
Up Next: Saucon Valley (6-4) will travel to Allentown Central Catholic (6-4) on Friday to take on the Vikings in the opening round of the PIAA 4A District XI playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at J. Birney Crum stadium.
Good luck Panthers, the Source is with you!
