PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State football team ended their season on a high note this past Saturday as they defeated the Salve Regina Seahawks 27-7 at Currier field in Plymouth. The win gives the Panthers an overall 4-5 record, and finishes them with a winning record of 4-3 in the Boyd Division in the New England Football Conference. Salve Regina suffered their eighth straight loss, registering an overall record of 1-8, with a 0-7-division record.
It was a dogfight for both teams in the first half; both teams were only able to muster one touchdown apiece. The Seahawks struck first when quarterback Robert Hingle hit receiver Gary Galvao for a 33-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first half. An extra point by kicker Andrew Monaco made the score 7-0.
The Panther offense would soon strike back. In the second quarter, PSU sophomore quarterback John DeMarco decided to do his best Michael Vick impression when he rolled out to his right to throw a pass, ran back to the other side of the field and hurdled himself into the end zone to pick up the first Panther score of the day. Although the play covered only 15 yards, DeMarco ran about 65-70. The extra point by junior kicker/wide receiver Brad Largy tied the score to 7-7, where it would remain for the rest of the half.
The second half proved to be just the opposite of the first half, as the Panthers dominated the Seahawks on defense, holding them to an astounding total of minus seven yards for the second half, and a total of 95 yards for the entire game. They were led by the pass rushing of defensive lineman Jeff Ethier and Justin Smith, who both collected a sack, along with the impressive play of freshmen linebacker Josh Michaud, who collected five tackles. Senior defensive back Jimi Lampron also capped off his career in fine fashion, collecting his first career interception.
Offensively, the Panthers broke away with three more scores. It started off with DeMarco connecting with junior wide receiver Drew Richardson on a 39-yard pass play, with the extra point from Largy making the score 14-7. Junior running back Jeff Mack struck next with a six-yard touchdown run to make the score 21-7 at the end of the third quarter. Sophomore fullback Brandon Clough put the nail in the coffin by scoring on an eight-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. After a missed extra point, the score was 27-7, and would remain that way for the rest of the game.
DeMarco, who ran for 98 yards on 21 rushes for one touchdown, led the PSU offense and was six of nine passing for 86 yards and one touchdown. His performance was good enough to be named to the NEFC Weekly Honor Roll. He also had help from Mack, who ran for 101 yards. They completely dominated the Seahawks in total yards, with PSU gaining 426 to 95. The Panthers also had control of the ball for an amazing 43 minutes, continuing the season long reputation of being able to sustain long drives. The win also marks the end of the careers of 12 seniors, headed by co-captain defensive back Dan Fallon, co-captain linebacker John Dipasquale, co-captain offensive lineman Joe Fellini, offensive lineman Dana Flanders, quarterback Tye Seastedt, and linebackers Tim Butler, Matt Whelan, and Ryan Puck. Congratulations to the football team on a fine season.