Monday’s Armchair Quarterback

CD East prevails over Susquehanna Twp. 39-16

Game Recap

CD East earned a hard-fought victory over neighboring Susquehanna Twp. on Friday night at Landis Field by a 39-16 score. The Panthers really controlled the game from the outset and used an attacking hard-hitting defense and an explosive offense en route to their third win of the 2017 season.

The Panthers’ defense established itself from the opening possession.  Two tackles for losses and a miscue on a 4th down attempt by the Indians gave the Panthers great field position at the 50-yard line.  The Panthers’ short drive culminated on a 24-yard TD pass from QB Kane Everson to WR Terrance Danner.

After an Indian fumble on the kickoff, the Panthers took advantage of yet another opportunity and cashed in with a 31-yard field goal to widen their lead to 13-0 over Susquehanna Twp. near the end of the 1st quarter.  CD East tacked on another TD before the half on a 2-yard keeper by QB Kane Everson which resulted in a 20-0 halftime lead over the visitors.

The Indians swung the momentum early in the 3rd quarter.  CD East botched a snap on the initial possession of the second half when Indians LB Will Humphrey tackled QB Jaylon Hawthorne in the end zone for a safety to put the Indians on the board.  After the safety, DB/WR Brian Garner took the ensuing punt 80 yards for a TD and added a two-point conversion to trim the Panthers lead to 20-10.

CD East responded with a well conceived 40-yard pass from Everson to senior WR Elijah Armor to the 1-yard line of Susquehanna Twp.  The impressive drive was capped off by a 1-yard TD run by Michael Jones to extend the lead to 27-10 in the third quarter.  After a three and out by the Indians, QB Kane Everson improvised on a nifty 15-yard scramble for a TD.  The 2-point conversion attempt was no good.  CD East led 33-10 over the Indians with 1:52 remaining in the 3rd quarter and really controlled the rest of the game.

Although, Susquehanna Twp. showed some resolve and added one more TD to draw closer on a fumble recovery in the end zone.  CD East reeled in an Indian interception and capitalized on the turnover to increase the lead to 39-16.  Two field goals were added late in the 4th quarter by senior kicker Calamia making his fourth of the night.  CD East would run out the clock and put in a workmanlike performance in the second half.  The Panthers downed the Indians by a final score of 39-16.

Turning Point: Susquehanna Twp. cut into the Panthers lead 20-10 early in the 3rd quarter and forced the CD East offense into a 3rd-and-long.  CD East’s QB Kane Everson delivered a strike and connected with senior WR Elijah Armor on a well designed 40-yard pass play to the 1-yard line.  CD East scored one play later to go up 27-10 in the third quarter.

Offensive Stars of the Game: Panthers’ senior kicker Anthony Calamia booted four field goals in the game.  Panthers’ shifty junior QB/DB Kane Everson had three touchdowns, two on the ground and one passing, and was a nightmare for the Indian defense all night.

Defensive Stars of the Game: CD East DE Edward Rivers had a pair of first-quarter sacks and added a 12-yard sack in the third quarter.

The Indians’ speedy senior DB/WR Brian Garner had an excellent all-around game and an 80-yard punt return for a TD.

Key Statistic: CD East had a boatload of tackles for losses, which constantly put the Indians in 3rd-and-long and 4th-and-long situations.

Up Next: Central Dauphin East (3-0) visits Harrisburg to begin the Mid-Penn Commonwealth slate, while Susquehanna Twp. (1-2) visits Mid-Penn Keystone foe Red Land.