By Brian Ptashinski @BPtashinski on Twitter
Bethlehem- The game plan was simple, shut down one of the most potent offenses in the EPC Conference and do enough on offense to carry the team to a win. Saucon Valley’s coach Matt Evancho laid it out all week and his team carried out the mission on Saturday afternoon at BASD Stadium en route to a 14-6 win for the Panthers over the Golden Hawks in a District 11 3A playoff.
“We kept them from utilizing their big play capabilities for most of the game. We didn’t give them what they like to do offensively. It goes to show what our kids can accomplish,” Coach Evancho said after his team’s win.
RB Evan Culver led the way offensively gaining 159 yards and scoring on a terrific 68 yard scoring run to give the Panthers a 7-0 lead. QB Zach Thatcher connected on a nine-yard scoring pass with six seconds left till half to extend Saucon Valley’s lead to the final margin of 14-6.
“I don’t know why we couldn’t get the ball in the end zone today. We had our chances to score several times and we came out with no points,” said a dejected Becahi coach Joe Henrich.
Several times during the contest the Hawks penetrated deep inside Panthers’ territory only to be turned away on each occasion. QB Julian Spigner struggled throughout the game running and throwing only completing seven passes for 112 yards and rushed for minus two yards in the game.
Saucon Valley (11-0) advances to face the winner of Blue Mountain and Lehighton.
