The Plymouth State Panthers broke out an early lead and never looked back as they advanced to 5-1 on the season playing against Endicott College Sat., Oct. 11 in a NEFC Boyd Division match-up.
PSU went for the knockout early in the first quarter as they took it to Endicott with a powerful defense and a steady dose of senior Jeff Mack, who rushed for a career high 220 yards on the day.
The PSU offense was outstanding on the first drive as they went down the field 61 yards and capped off the drive with a quarterback rush by senior John DeMarco, to make the score 6-0 after a missed extra point.
Endicott would make a crucial mistake when they botched a punt attempt that was recovered by PSU on their own eight-yard line. Mack would jump on the early mistake by Endicott and run into the end-zone to make the score 13-0 in the first quarter.
Mack would eventually close out the first quarter with a great style of play, rushing around the outside of the defense and continuing into the end-zone for his second touchdown of the game, making the score 20-0.
The second quarter would not see as much action as both defenses played great against their opponent. PSU would close out the first half with a 19-yard field goal by senior Chris Dopp putting the game out of reach early, 23-0.
The Panthers defense was outstanding, dominating Endicott to just 159 total yards in the game. “When we only give up 159 yards it’s obviously a good thing. I’m definitely proud of all of the guys,” said Michael Lannon, “We’ve got a lot of experienced guys on the defense this year and I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to do what we do. We aren’t selfish; we play our assignments and when everyone does what they’re supposed to do we’re a tough unit to gain yards on.”
PSU would not put the brakes on the offense in the second half, when PSU’s offensive line would let Mack dominant Endicott’s defense. Mack would run wild, running down the field for a 59-yard scoring effort to make the score 30-0, and putting the game out of reach in the third quarter.
Endicott would get on the board with two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The first touchdown would be a 12-yardplay, 69-yard scoring drive that would consist of great play by quarterback Phil Konopka, who would cap off the drive with a 5-yard rushing score into the end-zone. The second touchdown would prove to be the last for both teams as freshmen Mike Fimiani would rush across the goal-line for the touchdown.
Nichols College presents a tough challenge next week, but the defense is up and ready to stop their offense, “Our defense has done so well this year because we have athletes who are willing to work hard, be coached, and bring an attitude. This defense is strong, fast and confident. We fly around and can lay hits. It’s fun to be a part of,” said James Sestito, “Nichols presents a physical offense with some players who can really open up the field. We will have to match their intensity and shut down their skill players.”
PSU is now 5-1 overall in the season and second the NEFC Boyd Division. Their next opponent will be at Nichols College Sat., Oct. 18 at 1:00 p.m. Endicott dropped to 2-4 on the season and will now face undefeated Curry College on their homecoming week Sat. Oct. 18 at 12:00 p.m.