Once again, let's give a great BIG Saucon Source shout-out to Saucon Valley football stat gurus Bob Kessler and Rob Lofthouse! Bob and Rob go way above and beyond with their endeavor to keep track of the Saucon Valley Panther football team. We are truly thankful for their efforts. Without their number-crunching and stat maintenance, this tribute to Panther record-holders would not be possible.
The Saucon Valley footballers were riding high after last week's 42-21 victory over the Northwestern Lehigh Tigers in the District XI semifinal. The Panthers (10-3) avenged their previous loss to the Tigers and, for the fifth consecutive season, advanced to the District XI championship game. But, after an excellent first quarter against the Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks (10-3) in the 2018 District XI title game, the Panther's mighty wave of success crashed down into the ground.
It was a rough night in the District XI Final for the Saucon Valley Panthers. After a promising 1st quarter, the homegrown Panthers had difficulty manufacturing any traction or momentum against Bethlehem Catholic. However, this particular play proves to be worthy of Krunch Time! recognition.
There weren't a whole lot of great Saucon Valley plays to choose from in the 2018 District XI championship loss to the Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks. But, there were a few highlights including this onside-kick that was recovered by the Panthers.
For the fifth year in a row the Saucon Valley Panthers (10-2) will square off against the Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks (9-3) in District XI postseason play. Last week, the #2 seeded Panthers advanced by defeating the #3 seeded Northwestern Lehigh Tigers while No. 1 Bethlehem Catholic thumped No. 4 Pottsville. This season's District XI 4A championship showdown will take place at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium (Liberty High School) with a 7 p.m. kickoff. In addition to securing the 2018 District XI title, a victory will keep the hopes for a PIAA state championship alive for one of these teams while a loss will bring the 2018 season to a close for the other.
Not many people outside the Saucon Valley area had much faith that the Panthers could defeat the Northwestern Lehigh Tigers this past Saturday night. Afterall, the Tigers crashed Saucon's homecoming festivities and thumped the Panthers 49-28 back on October 12th. But, with an opportunity to get a little revenge and the prospect of advancing to the 2018 District XI championship, Saucon Valley focused their efforts and roared their way past the Tigers in dominant fashion. The Panthers (10-2) defeated the Tigers (9-3) 42-21 and will now advance to the District XI final for the fifth consecutive season.
On Saturday night with their victory over the Northwestern Lehigh Tigers, Saucon Valley advanced into the District XI Championship. The Panthers were in a dogfight early in the game against the Tigers but eventually found a groove when Saucon Valley quarterback Dante Mahaffey found Ryan Holub for a key first-half 1st-down.