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Marengo blanks Shields 28-0 in The Swamp
In the game which was played in Dixons Mills at "The Swamp" the Panthers rolled up 384 yards of offense while shutting out a potent J. F. Shields offense. "I thought we played well in most every aspect of the game last week," Coach Scottie Jones said. "We went into the game determined to make our offense more balanced which meant utilizing the passing game more. We accomplished that completing 4 of 8 passes for a hundred plus yards and three touchdowns. In addition to that improvement, we saw some much needed progress in our special teams work. The defense pitching a shut out speaks for itself." The modest Jones also continued to praise his coaching staff. "I just can't say enough about the job my assistant coaches are doing," he said. "Most of them are volunteers who willing give of their time to help these kids. Their continued devotion and hard work is paying dividends each week on that field and in the lives of our players."
The homestanding Panthers got things rolling in the first quarter when Michael Watkins ripped through the J. F. Shields defense for a 59 yard touchdown. Watkins got the call again and picked up the two point conversion as well giving Marengo an 8 - 0 lead. They extended their lead later in the first period when James Bennett connected with Hakeem Hildreth on what was to be the first of three aerial touchdowns during the night. This hookup between the two orange and black clad teammates covered 21 yards. Marcus Richardson split the up rights with the extra-point and the Marengo lead stood at 15 - 0 as the first quarter came to a close. The second quarter was scoreless leaving the Panthers from South Marengo County on top 15 - 0 as the teams headed into the halftime break. Things picked up again in the third quarter when James Bennett found Hakeem Hildreth running free in the J. F. Shields secondary and hit him with a 60 yard bomb for a touchdown. Marcus Richardson tacked on the extra-point and Marengo was on top 22 - 0 early in the period. As the quarter rocked on Bennett found one more bolt of lightening in his arm when he threw a 55 yard strike to Hildtreth for the Panthers' fourth touchdown of the evening. The extra-point try missed the mark this time but Marengo was comfortably out front 28 - 0 with another quarter to play. As it turned out, the fourth quarter turned into a scoreless defensive battle just as the second period had been making the final 28 - 0. "Out of the frying pan into the fire" is an old expression that somewhat describes the Panthers situation this week. Having come out of a week where they faced a tough J. F. Shields squad at home they are traveling this week to Uriah to take on a tough and undefeated J. U. Blacksher team in a game that very well could have a major impact on the outcome of the 1A Region 1 race. "J. U. Blacksher has 14 starters returning off a team that finished the 2006 season with a 9 - 2 record," Scottie Jones said. "Coach Shehan and his staff do a good job coaching them and we know they will be a disciplined and well prepared team. We will need to be at our best if we expect to win the game."
The game between the Panthers and Blacksher Bulldogs is scheduled for this Friday, September 21, in Uriah with the Kickoff set for 7:00 PM.
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