by Shari Hand
Coach Ron Jones’ Panther defense was firing hard on Friday night as they held the Mechanicville Red Raiders to just 32 yards in their attempts to put the ball in the end zone. The Panthers shut out the Raiders on their home turf last Friday night by a score of 42-0.
“Our defensive unit was very physical, and disciplined. The players trusted their teammates and only worried about doing the job that they are assigned to do. As a result we tackled much better than the previous week,” said Coach Ron Jones on his teams’ defensive effort.
Sophomore Randy Tutunjian put the Panthers on the scoreboard at the 4:10 mark of the 1st quarter snagging a 21 yard pass from quarterback Mike Brewster. The Raiders exhausted their downs and Hoosick Falls sophomore Brad Burns went on a 57 yard run on a first down to raise the score to 13-0 with 5:45 to go in the 1st quarter. Tanner Williams rounded out the quarter with an 11 yard touchdown to bring the score to 21-0.
“Our defense was really sound, and we came out very physical. Each week it’s our goal to be the most physical team on the field, and I think we definitely were,” said senior Tri-Captain, Steve Colvin. “Not only our first string guys but our second teamers really went after the ball as well. They surely gained some respect from me. Before the game I touched on what it means for me to be a Panther, and our WHOLE team realizes and embraces it as well.”
Senior Erick Mulready had 2 sacks, and Steve Colvin added 1 sack to the Panther attack.
Freshman Mike Mattat closed out the game with a 5 yard run into the end zone.
The Panthers are on the road again this Friday to face the 2-0 Greenwich Witches. Game time is 7 pm.