Damian Garcia came up with a big kickoff return for the Panthers.
In the first round of the PIAA District XI playoffs, the homegrown Saucon Valley Panthers needed a lot to go their way in order to hang with the Allentown Central Catholic Vikings. After their big win over Bethlehem Catholic last week, Central Catholic, out of the powerful EPC South, seems to be peaking at the right time for post-season play. The Panthers battled hard, but ultimately fell to the Vikings.
For a little over three quarters, Saucon Valley hung with these big boys due to their powerful rushing attack and, in part, a few big plays. One such big play came near the end of the third quarter in a Panther kickoff return when Saucon Valley was trailing the Vikings 28-12.
Panther sophomore Damian Garcia fielded the kick in stride at his own 15-yardline. He starts to his right, finds a seam and blasts up field for a 43-yard return to the Central Catholic 42-yardline. Garcia’s big return led to touchdown that helped keep the Panthers in the game.
Check out Damian Garcia’s big return!
Up Next: With the loss to Central Catholic, Saucon Valley (6-5) closes out their 2019 season. Central Catholic (7-4) advances to the PIAA District XI 4A semifinals against Northwestern Lehigh.
