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By Nate Powles
npowles@altoonamirror.com
CRESSON -- A raucous crowd at Penn Cambria's athletic field had a lot to be happy about Friday night.
The Panthers rode an efficient performance from its offense and a shutout from its defense to topple Westmont Hilltop, 39-0. Carter McDermott had an interception on defense for Penn Cambria, as well as a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown. The Hilltopper defense had no response for a Panther unit that marched methodically up and down the field each drive.
The mercy rule almost came into effect by halftime, as Westmont Hilltop couldn't get anything going with their run-heavy offense, only managing three first downs in the first half. The Hilltoppers had a chance to keep the game within reach after the Panthers scored their second touchdown, as Bashir Hunt returned the kickoff for a score, only for it to be called back by a holding penalty.
With a 33-point lead at halftime, the Panthers leaned on their run game and kept the clock running in the third and fourth quarters. The Hilltoppers couldn't sustain drives like they had in previous games this season and were forced to give the ball back to the Panthers.
Play of the game: On its first drive of the game, on fourth and 12 from near midfield, Penn Cambria kept its offense on the field and quarterback Brady Jones found McDermott in the open field and McDermott sped past several Hilltopper defenders to find the end zone.
Player of the game: McDermott was all over the field Friday night, nabbing an interception on one of Westmont Hilltop's rare passing attempts. He made his presence felt on offense as well, reeling in a 45-yard score on Penn Cambria's first possession of the game and later taking the ball 57 yards on a jet sweep for another touchdown early in the second quarter.
Unsung hero: Running back Thomas Plunkett was a consistent source of yards for the Panthers, racking up over 100 yards on the ground. The offensive line opened up massive holes for Plunkett most of the night, and he was able to keep drives going with chunk plays. He also scored Penn Cambria's second touchdown of the game.
Most vital statistic: The Panthers scored on six of their seven drives on offense.
Penn Cambria coach Nick Felus: "We wanted to play well in all three phases, and we wanted to make sure on defense that we get a shutout. A team like Westmont that wants to control the ball, we're limited with possessions, so we wanted to make sure we capitalize (on each opportunity).''
Westmont Hilltop coach Pat Barron: "They certainly gave us some fits getting to the edge tonight. I'm proud of the kids' effort. Credit to Penn Cambria, they were ready to play tonight.''
Penn Cambria's Carter McDermott: "We did everything we planned to do during the week: stop the run, be cognizant of the pass. This was a good bounce back to put on a shutout and show everyone that our defense is legit. It's a bad week to be a (Chestnut Ridge) Lion.''
Notable: Jones was 6-of-7 for 101 yards, most of which came in the first half...The Hilltoppers were the only team to register a sack, notching one early in the first quarter. Both offensive lines kept the opposing defensive lines at bay for most of the night.
Records: The Panthers improve to 5-1, while the Hilltoppers drop to 2-4 on the season.
Next week: Penn Cambria will host undefeated Chestnut Ridge in Cresson. Westmont Hilltop will welcome McCort-Carroll to its home field.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Westmont Hilltop 0 0 0 0 — 0
Penn Cambria 14 19 6 0 — 39
First Quarter
PC - McDermott 45 pass from B. Jones (Dillon kick), 10:14.
PC - Plunkett 20 run (Dillon kick), 2:51.
Second Quarter
PC - McDermott 57 run (Dillon kick), 10:12.
PC - Harrold 29 pass from B. Jones (Kick blocked), 6:28.
PC - Hite 1 pass from B. Jones (Pass failed), 1:01.
Third Quarter
PC - Plazek 19 run (Kick blocked), 6:39.
TEAM STATISTICS WH PC
First downs 7 17
Total yards 178 393
Rushes-yards 44-139 27-292
Yards passing 39 101
Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 3-7-1 6-8-0
Punts-avg. 3-29 0-0
Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0
Penalties-yards 5-45 5-40
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Westmont Hilltop, McMillan 13-56, Galiote 5-32, Goodman 12-21, Hunt 8-19, Valente 3-6, Kane 1-4, D. Ray 1-1. J. Ray 1-0. Penn Cambria, Plunkett 10-107, McDermott 1-57, Nadolsky 6-55, Harrold 2-31, Plazek 1-19, Jones, 4-16, Vinglish 1-9, Hanlon 1-(-2).
PASSING--Westmont Hilltop, Gyure 3-7-39. Penn Cambria, Jones 6-7-101, Nadolsky 0-1-0.
RECEIVING--Westmont Hilltop, Cassick 1-31, Galiote 1-6, McMillan 1-2. Penn Cambria, McDermott 3-77, Harrold 2-23, Hite 1-1.