Panthers Fire on All Cylinders in 55-0 Win Over Big Macs

Twenty-three seconds into the second half, USC had a commanding 48-0 lead on Canon-McMillan. However, if you looked at offensive statistics you wouldn't know the score could be so lopsided.

Canon-McMillan had just two yards of offense in the first quarter and 35 yards for the first half. It's easy to see why they put up a goose egg on the scoreboard at halftime.

USC had just 63 yards of offense in the first quarter and just 124 yards in the first half. Those are hardly numbers that would indicate 41 points scored by the break.

That's because special teams provided a ton of hidden yardage all game and made things easy for the offense to do their job and the defense also set up the offense by getting off the field and throwing in a key turnover.

"They (Canon-McMillan) gave us a great game last year. I wasn't expecting this but the special teams did a great job," coach Jim Render said.

Besides setting up the offense, the special teams scored twice on their own with big splash plays by familiar faces.

The blowout was a combination of the Panthers firing on all cylinders and respecting their opponent the entire game.

"We respect every opponent," said USC tight end Jack Schwaba.

The Panthers' first offensive series was set up by a nice punt return from Mike Wilcox to the Big Macs 40-yard line. After a pass interference call on a Dakota Conwell pass intended for Wilcox, Zach Deitrick carried the ball three straight times for a total of 25 yards. He scored on an 11-yard jaunt untouched into the endzone to make it 7-0 with 9:17 left in the first quarter.

Canon-McMillan was unable to get a first down the entire first quarter and on the next USC possession it was Matt Paxton's turn to tote the ball. He also needed just three carries amassing 21 yards to take it to the house. His 7-yard score made it 14-0 USC with 5:47 left in the first quarter.

Steve Gannon set up the next offensive possession with an interception and return to the Canon-McMillan 13-yard line. After an offensive penalty set USC back to their own 17-yard line, Conwell scored on 3rd and 16 with his only carry of the game. It was then 20-0 USC after the missed extra point.

Canon-McMillan could not escape the first quarter without giving up another big splash play by the Panther's special teams. Rori Blair blocked a punt for the 5th time in 7 games and Carleton Gibson, who has made a habit of returning Blair's blocked punts for scores, did it again.

Running backs often take their offensive line out to dinner as a show of appreciation for their blocking after a successful game. It's about time Gibson takes out Blair for a meal as he has continuously provided him with scoring plays game after game on special teams. It was now 27-0 USC after the first quarter.

Just 52 seconds into the second quarter AJ McGuire scored from eight yards out to make it 34-0 USC and the route continued.

Before the end of the second quarter, Conwell was able to complete his only pass of the game. Rori Blair's amazing job blocking punts all season was rewarded when he caught a 58-yard touchdown pass that was mostly run after the catch.  The score was 41-0 USC at the half and it was obvious Conwell's day would be over. He only threw two passes, completing one for that touchdown to Blair.  Conwell also carried the ball just once resulting in a touchdown as well.

The second half started much like the first. AJ McGuire returned the opening kickoff 87 yards for the touchdown. He ran more like 150 yards weaving through the Big Macs' kick coverage team taking 23 seconds to reach the endzone.

"I can't wait to tell him that," said coach Render after the game when he was told how long it took McGuire to reach the promised land.

The mercy rule was in affect the entire second half and a Phil Saracco 11-yard fourth quarter touchdown was the final tally in the 55-0 victory.

It was USC's fourth shutout in seven games this season.

In the early portion of the season it was not helpful that the starters only played the first half. It didn't quite prepare them for their big game against North Allegheny. However, at this point in the season it's a welcome sight as a long playoff run is hopefully in the works for this USC football team and the extra rest could only be beneficial.

Up next the Panthers visit Bethel Park before facing Mt. Lebanon in the regular season finale at home.

"Mt. Lebo and Bethel Park are our biggest rivals, we're going to have a good week of practice," Shwaba said.

Mt. Lebanon beat Bethel Park Friday night 14-3 leaving only themselves and USC undefeated and 3-0 in the Great Southern Conference.

If USC takes care of business at Bethel Park next Friday, and Mt. Lebanon takes care of Peters Township, the regular season finale between Lebo and the Panthers will be for the Great Southern Conference championship.

Both teams will be fairly heavily favored to make the dream match-up happen the final week of the season.