Panthers take down Hornets, 55-14.

presented by:

With the annual rivalry game for the Morton Jones Trophy on the line, North Penn traveled into Hornet territory Friday night, November 5, taking home the 55-14 victory once again.

The Panthers quarterback's performance of 5' 9" junior Jason DeHaven, surpassed a milestone of over 1,000 yards passing, racking up eight completions on eight attempts for 133 yards, totaling 1,094 heading into post season playoffs.

Senior Ryan Dinger began the night only two minutes into play with a six yard touchdown run; Ethan Wilston with the extra point.

Greg Pomarico added to the Panthers' lead connecting with DeHaven on a 12 yard touchdown pass.

Junior, Petey Delgado edged by the Hornets' defense with a four yard touchdown pass, once again from DeHaven, while Dinger rapped up the first quarter with an eight yard run into the end zone, leading 28-0 over Wellsboro.

In the second quarter, Dinger secured an eight yard touchdown run for the Panthers; Skye Stiner recorded a two yard touchdown run; and junior Logan Wise capitalized on a three yard touchdown pass from DeHaven to conclude the half 48-0 over the Hornets.

Wellsboro's Thomas Johnston, a junior, took a 14 yard run into the end zone late in the third quarter allowing the Hornets on the scoreboard, avoiding the shutout, followed by senior Dylan Christman connecting on a seven yard pass from sophomore Ben Shaw in the fourth.

North Penn secured the victory with Taylor Hillson taking a 24 yard run into the end zone, posting 55-14 over the Hornets.

"Our players were ready to play and jumped out to an early lead," commented North Penn head coach Tom Dickinson. "Both sides of the ball played well in the first half. Our team, as we have all season, played together as a team. Many players contributing and making big plays."

"It was nice to have Jason (DeHaven) go over 1,000 yards passing on the season. It was a great way to end the regular season - by keeping the trophy," he continued.

Along with DeHaven's accomplishment for North Penn, Wellsboro's Thomas Johnston and Ethan Callahan recorded over 1,000 all purpose yards with Shaw posting 1,474 total yards passing for the season.

On offense, Johnston pasted 13 attempts for 71 yards rushing, along with teammate Shaw (14-36) and junior Chase Barnes (4-21). North Penn's Skye Stiner led the Panthers with eight attempts for 71 yards; Delgado 5-70, Dinger 6-31, and Hillson 2-21.

Wellsboro recorded 12 first downs to the Panthers' 14. The Hornets also posted three penalties for 23 yards.

"Despite the record, the boys showed improvement from August 16 to November 5," stated Wellsboro head coach Brandon Falk. "Experience in the varsity game situations will serve these boys well as they prepare for next season. Losing the trophy to North Penn is rough but they are a very talented team. That game should motivate the Hornets to prepare more readily for next season."

Heading into the Panthers' first District playoff this Friday night, North Penn will have to focus on containing 6'0" senior quarterback, Eddy Stewart, who has completed 64 passes for 758 yards this season, along with junior running back, Meyrick Lamb, who has posted 121 carries for 741 yards rushing.

Along with DeHaven's season total of 1,094 yards passing, Dinger posts 775 yards rushing; Stiner 645 yards.

Mount Carmel's Jacob Keman, a junior 6' 2" wide receiver has recorded 19 receptions for 247 yards, going up against North Penn's Skye Stiner, posting 22 receptions for 349 yards.

Keman's teammates Cody Shustack and Tommy Hynoski garner 50 and 48 total tackles, respectively, taking on the Panthers' juniors Nick Seeley (88) and Tylor Rumsey (66).

"We are excited to play in the post season this Friday," stated Dickinson. "That was one of our team's goals this year - to make the district playoffs. Now we will see what happens.

"Mount Carmel is the winningest football team in the state. A huge tradition down there, but they have to travel up here where they have never been before. I'm sure they are not too excited about that. They like to run the football, with two tough backs. We have seen many good runners in our league this season, so this is nothing new to us. Our players are focused and will be ready for a great game. We have nothing to lose, so we'll just play the game and have fun," concluded Dickinson.

North Penn improved to 9-1 overall and will advance into their first District IV playoff since the 2006 season, on Friday, November 12. The Panthers, ranked second behind Towanda in District IV, will play host to Mount Carmel (7-3), ranked third in the Heartland II league.