Panthers Shut Out the Golden Hawks
By: Julia Henry
The Quakertown High School Panther football team won a league game against Council Rock South last Friday night, final score 16-0. After CR South received the kickoff, the Panthers began the game with an interception by junior defensive back Reagan Payne. They were able to build off of the opening momentum and carried it throughout the game.
The first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie. The Panthers took the lead and never looked back after a safety halfway through the second quarter. They extended their lead after a 1-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back, John Eatherton. When asked about this touchdown, he mentioned, “ha[ving] to power the line to score.” As the returning starter on the field Eatherton, “helped keep the team positive in times of doubt.” An 8-0 lead was carried into halftime by Quakertown.
Entering the second half, the Panthers knew that they must continue to play strong on both offense and defense. The Panther switched their defense up a bit entering this game and the new defensive positions and rotations worked very well in limiting the Golden Hawk's offense. Payne, a wide receiver and defensive back, commented on his defensive approach which was, “doing what Coach Banas told me to do, which was to stay on #6”. The Panthers scored their final touchdown of the game late in the third quarter on a long pass from quarterback Vince Micucci to Eatherton. To get behind his defender Eatherton executed, “a stop and go..[to] get the ball.” Following the touchdown, Eatherton successfully rushed for the two-point conversion. The game ended 16-0 in favor of the Panthers.
Looking ahead to this week’s game against Souderton, Payne spoke on, “hav[ing] a good week of practice and mentally prepar[ing]” as two important focus points for the Panthers this week. Eatherton emphasized, “using big plays as momentum and [to] keep fighting” as his takeaways to apply when facing Souderton. Capitalizing off of momentum and having the support of the faithful home crowd at Alumni should help to secure a Panther victory.
The Quakertown Panthers (2-3) host the Souderton Indians (4-1) in the 309 Bowl this Friday, September 30, a league game. Souderton also shut out their Week Four opponent, the Harry S. Truman Tigers, final score 38-0. The Panthers look to secure the 309 Bowl victory.
Question of the Week: What is your favorite post-game meal?
John: Big Mac, large fries, and a chocolate shake
Reagan: Dinner made by my mom