The Tug Valley Panthers improved to 2-0 on the season as they defeated a strong Sherman Tide team, 33-12, on Friday night at Zontini Field in Seth.
After a scoreless first period, Tug Valley got on the board when Bryson Elia capped off a 4 play 38 yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Aiden Bosserman’s PAT kick gave the Panthers a 7-0 lead.
The Tide (1-1) responded later in the period as Elijah Pauley connected with Gerald Lester on a 49-yard touchdown pass. However, the conversion pass failed as the Panthers held a 7-6 lead.
After the half, Tug Valley put together two strong drives. The first ended with a 3-yard touchdown run from Elia. The conversion pass failed to, but the advantage increased to 13-6. The Panthers then put together another drive that ended in 5-yard Elia touchdown run. Bosserman’s PAT kick increased Tug Valley’s lead to 20-6.
Sherman fired back late in the third period when Pauley and Lester connected again, this time for a 27-yard touchdown. The conversion run was stopped as Tug Valley maintained a 20-12 lead.
The Panthers put the game away in the fourth quarter. Adam Slone started the scoring with a 23-yard touchdown run. Bosserman’s kick made the score 27-12. Elia then scored his fourth touchdown of the night on a 3-yard run for the final margin of victory.
For Tug Valley, Preston May completed 12-of-22 passes for 111 yards with 1 interception. He also carried the ball 4 times for 5 yards.
Elia carried the ball 35 times for 236 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also caught 5 passes for 39 yards. Adam Slone had 2 carries for 43 yards and 1 touchdown. Cameron Slone had 1 carry for 10 yards. Austin Smith added 1 carry for 1 yard.
Cameron Slone led all Panther receivers with 41 yards on 4 catches. Gavin Fitzpatrick had 1 catch for 17 yards. Derek Jewel caught 2 passes for 14 yards.
Defensively, Adam Slone led the Panthers with 8 tackles. Marshall Jarvis and Cane Thompson each recorded 5 tackles in the win.
The Panthers will next play on Friday when they travel to Logan for a big match up with the Wildcats.
Photos Courtesy of Karen Watts
