Panthers explode in 3rd Quarter to turn close game into route

Friday nights game started slowly for the Panthers, but the visitors came alive in the second half on there way to a 42-7 victory over the Bangor Vikings.

The defense started the game forcing a three and out, but after a bad punt snap the return team over-pursued and the punter was able to scramble for a first down. The defense forced another three and out, but the punt return was fumbled giving Bangor the ball back once again. Once again the defense was up to the challenge and Watervliet finally took control of the ball. Penalties marred most of the Panthers first half possessions, but on their second possession QB Kevin Eastman put a nice drive together which culminated in a 3 yard TD plunge from Senior RB Collin Buck. Bangor, who struggled running the ball all night, struck back from the air with a 43 yard TD strike. The point after was good and the score was knotted at 7-7.

The remainder of the first half saw promising Panther drives derailed by penalties and missed opportunities. The defense however continued their stingy ways never letting Bangor sniff the end zone. As halftime commenced the score remained 7-7.

After a halftime gut check the Panthers came out with much more energy and enthusiasm, as well as a few offensive adjustments and it was all Panthers from that point on. Eastman and the offense took the opening kickoff and quickly drove down the field with a mix of runs and passes. Sophomore RB Brett Thumm finished the drive with a 17 yard scamper to paydirt. Junior kicker Marco Montejano added his second of six extra points on the night and the Panthers were up 14-7. After a nice kickoff the defense pinned Bangor deep in their own territory. The Vikings lined up to punt and LB Collin Buck came flying in from the edge and blocked the punt which allowed Senior DT DJ Howley to scoop the ball up and rumble in from 5 yards out. With the Panthers now up by two touchdowns, the defense locked Bangor down again, with the defensive backs improving their play and limiting the Viking opportunities downfield. The offense was not done in the third quarter yet. A steady diet of run plays with Thumm, mixed with a couple opportunistic passes led the Panthers to the three yard line. Here Collin Buck “The Truck” forced his way into the end zone for the second time on the night giving the visitors a 28-7 lead. On the ensuing Viking drive Junior defensive back John McCarthy picked off a Viking pass attempt returning it just into Bangor territory. The offense moved quickly down the field again this time finishing the drive through the air as Eastman hit Senior WR Cory Quinn for a 10 yard TD strike. As the third quarter camed to a close a 7-7 halftime score had turned into a 35-7 Panther advantage as the visitors overwhelmed the hometeam with 28 points in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter started much as the third had gone, with another Panther TD. After another blocked punt Eastman wasted no time going up top to Junior WR Aaron Dabicci for a 17 yard TD strike. With 9:11 seconds left in the game the Panthers had now scored 5 TD’s in the second half and forced a running clock for the remainder of the evening.

The Panther D continued their strong play led by the front 8. Bangor attempted 30 runs on the night, but were only able to muster 34 yards on the ground. The defensive line put great pressure on the Bangor QB in the second half, sacking him twice and helping force an 11/33 passing night. Collin Buck led the way with 10 tackles and a sack, while John McCarthy had 5 tackles and an INT. The Panther defense, which has not given up 3 yards a carry to any team this season, will look to stay stingy vs a tough running team next week.

Offensively the Panthers rolled up 422 yards of offense. Eastman was 17/28 on the night for 196 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 INT’s. Quinn hauled in 7 for 71 yards and a TD, Dabicci snagged 5 for 77 and a TD, while Senior WR Tim Flagel tabulated 4 catches for 49 yards. The Panthers continued to roll up rushing yards behind the tough offensive line and the hard rushing of Brett Thumm who led the way with 18 carries for 167 yards and a TD. Buck added 3 carries for 14 yards and two TD’s. In total Watervliet rushed for 226 yards on 26 carries.

Watervliet (3-1, 0-0) returns home to start SAC South play next Friday. Rival Hartford (4-0, 0-0) will invade Panther Stadium. The Indians dispatched of Fennville 35-20 this past Friday to set up a big mid-season matchup. Game time is set for 7:00.