The Tug Valley Panthers limited the Sherman Tide to only 160 yards as they secured a tough, 13-8, home win on Friday night at Bob Brewer Stadium in Naugatuck.
The Panthers (1-1) drew first blood near the end of the first quarter as Jaxon Nenni-Mills found the end zone on a 4-yard run. Aiden Bosserman’s PAT kick was good to give the Panthers a 7-0 advantage.
The Tide (1-1) answered late in the second quarter. After an interception, Gerald Lester scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion attempt was good, and Sherman took an 8-7 lead into the locker room at the half.
In the third period, Tug Valley freshman quarterback Preston May hit Buddy Marcum on a tight end screen. Marcum took it 24 yards for a touchdown. The conversion failed, and Tug Valley led 13-8.
From there, the Panther defense was able to old on, despite a Sherman drive in the final minute. The win evens up the Panthers’ record.
Nenni-Mills completed 3-of-9 passes for 69 yards but had 3 interceptions. May was 5-of-11 passing for 63 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Adam Slone had 82 yards on 9 rushing attempts. Nenni-Mills had 38 yards and 1 touchdown on 6 carries. Bryson Elia had 2 carries for 9 yards. May added 1 carry for 5 yards.
Elia led the Panthers with 70 yards receiving on 4 catches. Marcum added 2 catches for 39 yards and 1 touchdown. Slone tallied 1 catch for 18 yards. Ashton Davis finished with 1 reception for 5 yards.
Tug Valley will next play again on Friday night by hosting Symmes Valley, OH at 7:30 pm.
Photos Courtesy of Karen Watts
