The Tug Valley Panthers scored 29 points in the second half as they broke open a tight game to pick up a 35-8 homecoming win over the visiting rival Tolsia Rebels on Friday in Naugatuck.
The Rebels (2-3) drew first blood in the opening quarter when quarterback Robert Evans took the ball around the right side and scampered into the end zone from 16 yards out. Evans then added the 2-point conversion for an 8-0 lead for Tolsia.
Tug Valley (4-1) answered later in the quarter when a drive ended with a 5-yard Bryson Elia touchdown run. The 2-point conversion failed, leaving Tolsia with an 8-6 lead. From there, both defenses held for the remainder of the half, and the Rebels took the slim advantage into the locker room at the half.
The Panthers came out roaring in the third quarter. Elia added his second touchdown run from 2 yards out. Preston May completed a conversion pass to Buddy Marcum as Tug Valley took a 14-8 lead. Later in the quarter, Elia added a highlight reel 75-yard touchdown run. Aiden Bosserman’s PAT kick made the score 21-8.
Tug Valley then caught a break as Tolsia had a bad snap on a punt attempt that Dakoda Walker fell on in the end zone for a touchdown. Bosserman’s kick made it a 28-8 game. The Panthers got one last touchdown when May completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Slone. Bosserman’s kick made it 35-8.
Elia had 21 carries for 284 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. He also had 1 reception for 21 yards. Cane Thompson had 2 carries for 12 yards.
Preston May completed 5-of-13 passes for 80 yards and 1 touchdown. He also had 1 carry for 13 yards.
Cameron Slone had 1 reception for 30 yards and 1 touchdown. Brady Brewer had 1 catch for 22 yards. Marcum finished with a catch for 7 yards.
For Tolsia, Evans completed 7-of-17 passes for 112 yards. He also had 17 carries for 48 yards and 1 touchdown.
Bray Mollette has 14 carries for 31 yards. Parker Watts had 1 carry for 27 yards. John Jerrell and Jessie Jerrell each had 1 carry for 1 yard.
Watts led all receivers with 3 catches for 78 yards. Codi Blackburn had 2 catches for 25 yards. Mollette finished with 2 receptions for 9 yards.
The Panthers will now travel to River View on Friday in a 7 pm clash.
Tolsia will host Tyler Consolidated on Friday at 7:30 pm.
Photos Courtesy of Karen Watts
