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Friday, November 1, the Orange High School Panther football team took one more step on their way to an undefeated season, after beating Cardinal Gibbons 49 to 28 on senior night. The win improved the Panthers’ record to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in conference, while the loss put Cardinal Gibbons at 7-3 and 4-2. The win also guaranteed the Panthers a birth in the 3-A State Playoffs.
Orange was led by junior running back Tay Jones, who rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries. Senior running back Patrick Pettiford also had an impressive game, rushing for 103 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, while also accumulating 75 yards and two touchdowns receiving. Panthers junior quarterback Garrett Cloer passed for 222 yards and four touchdowns, while completing 9 of 11 passes in another efficient outing. Orange receiver Ky Muller also had a big game, catching three passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Orange had to overcome giving up 21 points in the first quarter, which matched the most the team has given up all season. At halftime the score was tied at 28, but the Panthers’ defense returned to regular form by shutting Gibbons out in the second half. Orange Head Coach Pat Moser spoke with the Herald Sun about the defense’s adjustments, saying, "We started putting the fastest guys we had on the team on DiMaggio, we rotated those guys every two or three plays. (DiMaggio) is phenomenal. Coach Smith, by adjusting and putting some speed on him and then we double-covered him, we were trying to keep the ball out of his hands."
Cardinal Gibbons’ senior quarterback Shawn Stankavage had a big game, despite being chased around by Panthers’ defenders all night. Stankavage threw for 416 yards and two touchdowns while completing 31 of 44 passes. He also rushed 26 times for another two touchdowns and 63 yards. Moser also spoke with the Herald Sun about Stankavage, saying, "The defense was shocked at the start of the game with Stankavage. Boy, he's something else. When he graduates, I'm going to go and make sure he crosses the stage and is out of there. I'm telling you what, he's a great quarterback and a great kid. I wish him well." Gibbons receiver Dante DiMaggio caught two of Stankavage’s touchdowns, on his way to a 14 catch, 262 yard night.
The Panthers play their final regular season game of the season on Friday, November 8 against 8-2 and 6-0 Southern Durham. This will most likely be the Panthers’ toughest game of the season, and will determine the champion of the Big Eight conference. Come support your Panthers at Southern Durham as the team goes for 11-0.
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