It was supposed to be a tight battle between two Top 5 teams in Class A, but the Tug Valley Panthers would have none of it. Tug Valley seized control early and never looked back as they ran away from visiting River View, 41-6, on Friday for a win in front of the homecoming crowd at Bob Brewer Stadium in Naugatuck.
The Panthers (6-0) jumped on top early when Adam Slone slammed into the end zone on a 7-yard run. Aiden Bosserman’s PAT kick made it a 7-0 lead. Tug Valley increased the lead just a few minutes later when Preston May dropped back to pass and found an open Ashton Davis of 27-yard touchdown pass to make it a 14-0 lead.
Tug Valley added to its lead in the second quarter when May rolled to his left and found Cameron Slone who was able to cut up field and then dive into the end zone. Bosserman’s PAT made it a 21-0 game.
River View (4-2) had a chance to score near the end of the half, but Cameron Slone intercepted a pass to preserve the 21-0 lead at the intermission.
River View got the second half kick and went on a long time-consuming drive that resulted in a 14-yard touchdown run from Chanton Davis to make the score 21-6.
The Panthers responded as they drove the ball down the field and scored on a 3-yard run from May to make the score 28-6 after three quarters.
Tug Valley added to its advantage in the fourth quarter when Bryson Elia found the end zone on a 5-yard run. Riley White added the PAT kick to make it a 35-6 game. Elia found the end zone on another 5-yard run for the final margin of victory.
Preston May led the Panthers offensively. The sophomore quarterback completed 15-of-20 passes for 216 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 4 times for 37 yards and 1 rushing touchdown.
Elia had 19 carries for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 1 pass for 15 yards. Derek Jewell had 3 carries for 16 yards. Adam Slone had 3 rushing attempts for 15 yards and 1 touchdown.
Cameron Slone led all receivers with 8 catches for 98 yards and 1 touchdown. Davis had 3 catches for 62 yards and 1 touchdown. Gavin Fitzpatrick hauled in 2 passes for 31 yards. Brady Brewer caught 1 pass for 10 yards.
Defensively, Cane Thompson led the Panthers with 13 tackles. Adam Slone had 10 tackles. Elia and Cameron Slone each had interceptions in the win. Davis and Dylan Meade each had fumble recoveries.
Tug Valley will be home next Friday in a battle with Mount View.
Photos Courtesy of Karen Watts
