Panthers defense dominates

The Dallastown Wildcats came in to the game looking to avenge their loss a few weeks back against the Panthers.  Unfortunately, Central York’s defense had other plans.  And that was to cause turnovers and let the offense capitalize off of the turnovers.

Cental York opened up the game by getting the ball on offense.  But turned the ball over.  But their defense stepped up quickly.  As Marques Fells read the eyes of quarterback Josh Luckenbaugh, and intercepted his pass.  Fells would then follow a few of his defensive comrades and sprint down the sideline for a 54 yard touchdown return.  Aaron Goodyear would add on the PAT and Central hopped out to an early 7-0 lead.

Both teams would then trade punts.  Dallastown’s third possession was very productive.  As they would put together a nine play drive, that would be capped of by Luckenbaugh hitting Anthony Defabio on a seam pass down the middle.  Defabio would be met by a defender at the 22, but lowered his shoulder to break the tackle to get himself into the end zone.  Ryan Behrmann would add the PAT to tie the game up at 7-7.  Once again the teams would trade punts.  Central would then put together another short drive, that would be capped of by a 31 yard touchdown run by Charles Anderson.  And again Goodyear would add the PAT to put the Panthers on top again, 14-7.  Dallastown did however manage to pull together another drive before the end of the half.  But the Panther defense stepped it up when it counted.  Dallastown was facing a third and goal, when Luckenbaugh’s pass was intercepted by Raphael Nwanguma in the end zone to end the half.

The third quarter was a struggle for both offenses.  Dallastown was able to manage to get three more points on the board, shortly after Central had turned the ball over on a botched snap that went sailing high over the punter’s head.  Leaving the Wildcats in striking distance and only down 14-10.

However, Central’s defense finally took over the fourth quarter.  Jonah Plymire was able to knock the ball loose from Dallastown’s quarterback Luckenbaugh.  Dylan Wanner would recover the ball and return it 8 yards for another defensive score for the Panthers’.  Goodyear once again added another PAT, pulling the Panthers farther ahead 21-10.  Central would then close out the scoring, when Brandon Baker would find Justin Burke down the home sideline for a 44 yard touchdown pass.  Giving the Panthers’ a 28-10 lead.

Central York’s defense was able to hold the Wildcats to only 174 yards of total offense.  Only 32 yards on the ground.  And causing four turnovers.  Central York will now advance to the next round of playoffs, and travel to Wilson to take on the Bulldogs next week.