JV Panthers rout Northgate 41-14
Sophomore running back Ardit Hoti runs the ball. The JV Panthers ran the ball with ease, with running backs scoring all of the team’s touchdowns in the 41-14 win.
September 16, 2017
Following a blowout win over the Fayette County Tigers 35-12, the junior varsity Panthers sought another statement victory. The young squad achieved just that, clobbering the Northgate Vikings 41-14. Their teamwork was on display for all four quarters of the game.
“The kids all played well together,” head coach Chad Walker said. “They practice with the varsity players, so they are always facing tough competition. When they play with kids their own age, they have a lot of confidence.”
The Panthers started the game off strong, scoring three touchdowns in the first half with sophomore running back Ben Bodne scoring two of the three. Freshman running back and defensive back Wes Haney had a great game on both ends, scoring a touchdown and making three tackles.
“I felt like I carried the ball well, and kept my teammates up if they made mistakes,” Bodne said. “But I think I could have chosen my gaps better.”
The team’s confidence carried over into the second half, as evidenced by their tight defense, only allowing the Vikings to score one touchdown in the half. Because of their dominant offensive play, almost every player got some time on the field, showing the depth of each position, especially at running back.
This depth provided the Panthers with several options on offense, seemingly scoring at will. From the opening kickoff until the final buzzer, the Starr’s Mill Panthers JV football team controlled almost every aspect of the game, scoring 41 points and converting five out of six extra point attempts, while holding the Northgate Vikings to just 14 points.
“They were flying around and hustling after the football on defense and that’s what we preach,” Walker said. “So holding them to 14 points was a good job.”
The JV Panthers maintained their undefeated record with a 13-6 win over the East Coweta Indians at East Coweta on Sept. 14. Freshman running back Nate Kearns scored both touchdowns. Their next game is against the Sandy Creek Patriots on Sept. 21 at Panther Stadium.
