Panthers Look To Bounce Back After Tough Loss

CLOCK PHOTO / MADISON SVOPA

Sep. 20 was not a good day for the Plymouth State football team. The squad gave up an even 400 yards of offense as they took their second road loss of the season when they lost to Western Connecticut 45-7, falling to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference (MASCAC) standings.

“It was an eye-opener,” said Coach Paul Castonia. Entering his 12^th season with the Panthers, he said the biggest thing to look at about this weekend’s upcoming game was to prevent the big yardage plays. “Our defense did a decent job against [Western Connecticut’s] run game, but we gave up too many big plays so that is our point of emphasis for this week with the defense,” said Castonia. He went on to say that this was the first time that many of the new players had seen a top-notch MASCAC squad.

West Conn senior quarterback Will Arndt had a career day, going 27-33 through the air for a total of 268 yards, and led his team into halftime up 35-0.

The Panthers went scoreless until senior running back Mark Hennessy (Westford, MA) pounded in Plymouth’s only touchdown from 11 yards out.

Colonials’ kicker Michael Killoran finished off the scoring with a 33-yard field goal in the early moments of the fourth quarter, capping off the scoring for WCSU.

Plymouth State did a fine job when Western Connecticut tried to keep the ball on the ground, holding the running game to 101 yards and forcing the touchdowns to occur through the air. The Panthers recorded seven tackles apiece from freshman Thomas Radonich (Westwood, MA) and Blair Zentek (Simsbury, CT).

Looking ahead, Plymouth gets a visit from UMass Dartmouth this upcoming Saturday for the annual Homecoming game. A few factors play into this game if the home team wants to stay in playoff contention. “As for this week, all games are big when you play only 10, but we approach each week [looking] to go 1-0 so that is our focus.  We had a couple people get injured against WConn so hopefully they can get healthy, but the next guy has to step up and be ready,” said Castonia.  

The big thing to look for during Saturday’s game is whether or not the Panthers can stay disciplined offensively. UMass Dartmouth has one of the best pass defenses in the conference, but they lack keeping the rush game to a minimal. Giving up only 9 yards through the air to Mount Ida, UMD allowed over 250 yards on the ground.

Coach Castonia was very positive about bouncing back from last Saturday. “This is a hard-working team which has improved, so it is important to respond to the loss to WConn,” he said.

The game starts at 1 P.M. this Saturday, and the Alumni Tent will be up from 12:30 P.M. until the second half starts.