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It was Homecoming Night at Island Park in Blossburg last Friday as the North Penn-Mansfield Panthers hosted the Warrior Run Defenders. Before the game started – the students and their friends and families lined Main Street as the homecoming parade proceeded towards the park. After the parade conclude, the Panther/Defender showdown began.

Two minutes into the game, Warrior Run got ahead early on an outside run, 7-0. However, on the following drive, Panthers on the 50, Cooper Shaw drops back in the pocket and launches a bomb down the field to Luke Kreger, starting the scoring off for North Penn-Mansfield. After the extra point, they were tied 7-7.

Fresh into the second quarter – the Panthers worked their way into field goal range – and on fourth and ten, Brody Grinnell back to kick…it’s good! Panthers up, 10-7. On the following kickoff the Defenders found an opening and took it the house – leading 14-10 after the PAT.

Then, North Penn-Mansfield on their own 45, Shaw drops back to pass and lays it right into the hands Kreger. Airways are open, Panthers up 17-14. Next drive, the Defenders on a short out route, punch it in – 21-17 Warrior Run.

The Panther Airlines – still in operation – find the runaway again from Shaw to Kreger for a 31 yard gain. A few plays later, Shaw calls his own number – taking it to the ground. Touchdown! Panthers reclaim their lead, 24-21.

The Defenders scored twice more before the buzzer, ending the half in Warrior Run’s favor – 35-24.

At halftime the homecoming courts for both North Penn-Mansfield and North Penn-Liberty were presented. Mansfield’s homecoming king was Cooper Shaw. And homecoming queen was Riley Getola. Liberty’s homecoming king was Louie Mercantino. And homecoming queen was Kaylee Graham.

The Defenders rallied in the second half of the game, putting up 35 more points – ending the night with a final score 70-24 Warrior Run.

The Panthers will be back in action on the road this week at Muncy to face the Indians.