Plymouth football loses tough one to Norwich

Plymouth State football lost a tough one Saturday 25 to the Norwich University Cadets 20-9. Norwich led 7-3 going into halftime, but the Cadets came out of the gates gunning in the second half and put together a big third quarter. Plymouth put up a good fight but a few big plays by Norwich put the game just out of reach in this non-conference game. The defense for Plymouth was solid through out the game but the Norwich wide receivers had big plays that proved costly for Plymouth. The Panther offense was inconsistent during the game, showing signs of being able to move the ball very well but then would end up turning the ball over. Norwich quarterback Matt Meehan started the scoring with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon in the first quarter. Plymouth answered back on the following drive with an 18-yard field goal by Carlo Sementill just before the end of the first quarter to bring the score to 7-3, Norwich. Norwich pulled away in the third quarter with their quarterback throwing for two touchdowns, from 22 and 50 yards respectivly. Plymouth sophomore Tye Seastedt started the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass to freshman Brad Largy from 30 yards out, although the extra point was blocked. Plymouth Head Coach Paul Castonia said “Overall defensively it was a pretty good performance, but on offensive we were too inconsistent.” When asked to what preparations the team would make for the homecoming game Saturday vs. Western Connecticut he stated “Offensively we need to hold on to the ball to be able to score some points, the defense was out there too much this week, that’s why the other team was able to make some big plays.” Norwich Head Coach Mike Yesalonia had nothing but praise for the Home team. “Plymouth has always had a good program. They are a young team, their quarterback is a talented kid, and they are well coached. They gave us a good game.” With the win Norwich moves their overall record to a perfect 4-0. Sophomore Dan Fallon had a great game defensively for the Panthers recording ten tackles, a forced fumble, and a big interception to end a Norwich drive in the third. Largy had over one hundred yards receiving on five catches. Freshman Chris Boyd led the Panther rushing attack with thirty nine yards on the ground. The Panthers will face off with Western Connecticut Colonials 1:00 pm, October 2 at Currier field for Plymouths homecoming game.