Last Saturday, November 6th, The Plymouth State football team welcomed its rivals from Curry College to Currier Field for it’s annual clash. The game, which has carried championship contests the past couple of seasons, was the last for two teams who have had their championship hopes snuffed out and were playing just for pride. The back and forth game ended in overtime with Curry College holding on to win 24-21 after a goal line stand. The game marked the third loss in a row for the Panthers, who have not lost three in a row since the 2006 season. The game also honored 17 seniors who have won 33 games and earned an NCAA berth and two bowl game berths.
Offense comes to play:
The Panther offense was it’s normal self grinding up 183 yards on the ground and featured a bevy of backs carrying the ball including Ty Long for 53 yards, Steve Campbell for 32, J.J. Brooks for 89 yards and a touchdown, Chris Francher for 14 and converted linebacker Mike Bruning for 22 yards. J.J. Brooks went 5-14-1 for 76 yards and a touchdown to wide out Joel Mignault who had 3 catches for 43 yards. Senior wide out Bendan Fontaine had the teams longest catch for 30 yards, on the final drive to tie the game up. The Panther ground game finished the year ranked third in the conference
Defense plays tough:
On it’s final game of the season, the defense showed it wasn’t going down without a fight. Brian Castellucci continued his high level of play with 10 tackles and 2 sacks and would finish the season with 82 total tackles and 4 trips to the NEFC Honor Roll. Behind Castellucci was safety Zach Parsons with 7 tackles. Parsons would finish the season with 62 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 pass break ups and 2 forced fumbles. Adding the other sack of the game was senior defensive end Matt MacLean who had 5 tackles and a sack. The defense finished the year ranked second in scoring, and also in total defense. The Panthers had the best defense in giving up opponent first downs.
Special teams sparks it:
The biggest special teams play of the game came when sophomore Andrew Foglia broke through the Curry punt protection, blocked the kick and scooped it up and ran to the end zone to tie it going into halftime.
17 Seniors:
The PSU Football team honored 17 seniors before the game. Their hard work has helped bring the football program back to what it was; combining for 33 wins and only 9 losses, not to mention the NCAA tournament berth and bowl games.
Mike Bruning- LB/FB
Steve Campbell- LB/RB
Brain Castellucci- LB
Harry Fallon- LB
Dan Kelly- DB
Zach Parsons- DB
Kevin Whalen- DB
Matt MacLean- DL
Jim Buckley- DL
Ryan Britko- OL
Nick Fuccillo- OL
Aaron Getz- TE
J.J. Brooks- QB/WR
Alex Sobolov- QB
Chris Francher- FB
John Creamer- WR
Brendan Fontaine-WR
Castonia era overall record
With this season, head coach Paul Castonia moves above the .500 mark with an overall record of 42-39 at Plymouth.