In the program’s 300th game, Starr’s Mill football rolled through the first round of the state playoffs last Saturday, defeating the Shaw Raiders 48-0.
“I think we’re really getting better and we’re peaking at the perfect time. We’re pretty healthy, there’s no significant injuries, and we’re pretty fortunate,” head coach Chad Phillips said. “They really work hard, they make sacrifices, they’re very committed.”
During the first half of the game, senior Dorsey Benefield scored two touchdowns, one of which was a one-yard run and the other scored on a 22-yard pass from quarterback Logan Inagawa. Junior Jeremiah Potter also scored two touchdowns for the Panthers, a 15-yard run and a three-yard run.
“We all communicate, we practice, and we know what to do,” Potter said. “When someone has a bad play we pick each other up. It helps because it doesn’t make someone feel alone or upset. We just keep playing until the next play.”
Senior Andersen Cardoza and junior Josh Layton each added a touchdown during the beginning half. Cardoza scored on a 22-yard pass and Layton scored on a 21-yard interception return.
The Raiders were no match for a Panther offense that amassed 344 yards of total offense. Starr’s Mill ran the ball 37 times for 274 yards. Inagawa completed 6 of 7 passing attempts for an additional 70 yards.
The Starr’s Mill defense held Shaw to 60 total yards and forced two turnovers.
“I thought the defense really played tough,” Phillips said. “They’re playing fast, they’re playing aggressive, and they’re playing with a lot of confidence.”
Due to the 41-point difference between the two teams going into the second half, the clock began to run continuously for the remainder of the game. The Panther coaching staff also put in junior varsity players to finish the game.
During the third quarter, freshman Joey Grant scored the final touchdown of the game with a one-yard run. The Panthers cruised to the win with a final score of 48-0.
“I feel like we’re playing as a team, bonding together, connecting, and playing our best football right now,” Layton said. “I just feel like we played a good team game tonight.”
The Panthers host New Hampstead this Friday at 7:30 p.m. A victory would give Starr’s Mill football its 200th win in school history.