The PSU Panthers scored 27 points in the second quarter and came out firing on all cylinders, beating Nichols in a New England Football Conference match-up Sat., Oct 18 at Vendetti field for their fifth straight win on the season.
The first quarter was a wake up call for PSU, as Nichols quarterback Charlie Samples threw a 68-yard bomb to Anthony Pillar for the first score of the game. The Bison’s tried a two-point conversion early in the game, but failed on the attempt and ended up with just a 6 point lead.
“Nichols scored on their first offensive play against us and that actually worked in our favor by firing the whole team up. It was a wake up call, they only got three points the rest of the game,” said James Sestito, “The game plan was to stop the run first, get them to third downs and then get off the field on third down and we were able to do that.”
PSU would take control of the game in the second quarter and dominant the time of possession. The first big drive for PSU marked the start of a 27-point explosion in the second quarter. An 11-play, 76-yard drive would be what they needed to fire up the team, which ended in a QB sneak by senior quarterback John Demarco for the first lead of the game at 10-6.
PSU’s offense would take advantage of the defenses performance when the Panther’s blocked a punt in the second quarter. Demarco would throw a 45-yard completion to wide receiver Luke Denio, which set up Demarco to run in for the touchdown on the next play for the 17-6 lead.
The defense stepped it up when Nichols were on the 2-yard line ready to score, when the defense pushed them back with their strong presence, making them have to kick a field goal.
Demarco and company would keep on rolling and adding to the lead late in the first half with a 31-yard score to J.J. Brooks for the 23-9 lead. Sophomore Kevin Whalen would intercept a pass from Nichols to set up a Mack scoring run for the 30-9 half lead.
The second half would be nothing more than clean up work for the Panther’s, as they were well on their way to their fifth straight victory and a 36-9 dominant performance. Mack also moved up to number two on the PSU career-rushing list, passing Russ Massahos with 3,343 yards and 37 touchdown on the season.
Senior running back Jeff Mack and Demarco would team up and led the team to a glorified victory. “Our defense buckled down and played tough the rest of the game. On offense, we just played our game and made minor adjustments as the game progressed. We came up with turnovers and turned them into points,” said Mack, “Also our passing game helped out. We don’t pass often but we were very effective against Nichols. With the exception of the first drive, I didn’t see the field in the second half.”
In what is said to be one of the toughest match-ups all season, PSU will match-up against undefeated Curry College on Sat., Oct. 25. “We know what the stakes are and what is up for grabs. We are perfectly aware of the situation we’re in,” said Mack, “Its a big game, we need a good week of practice and have our heads on straight come Sat. It’s going to be a battle. They haven’t lost a game in like 4 years for a reason; we’ll be ready.”
PSU is going into the game improving to a 6-1 overall record and 4-0 in the conference. Curry stands undefeated at 7-0 overall on the season and also 4-0 in conference play. Whoever wins, will most likely capture the NEFC Division Championship on Sat., Oct. 25. Nichols is now 2-5 overall and will try and get things rolling again when they face Umass Dartmouth on Sat., Oct. 25.