BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Tug Valley helped its playoff chances by dominating Class AA Westside 49-14 on Military Appreciation Night at Bob Brewer Stadium in Naugatuck Friday night.
The Panthers, who wore special camo jerseys, jumped out to a 24-0 lead at the half and scored 19 more in the third quarter to cruise to the win. TVHS added one more score in the final quarter. The visiting Renegades did all of their scoring in the second half.
Coach Hady Ford was able to play several players in the game. Tug Valley got a pair of touchdowns each from Ashton Davis and Bryson Elia, while Gavin Fitzpatrick, Riley Damron and Adam Slone each hit paydirt for six points.
Sophomore Jaxon Nenni-Mills got the start at quarterback and completed 11-21 passes for 189 yards and three TDs. He was starting for Elijah Fluty who was out with an injury.
“Jaxon did a good job for us at QB. He’s played a lot of JV games and I feel like that got him ready to step in. We preach to our players every week that you’re one play away from playing or starting, so make every practice count and Jaxon has done just that.” Coach Ford said.
Slone rushed for 69 yards and Elia 40, while Austin Smith had 15 on the ground.
Davis caught four passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns, while Brady Brewer hauled in four passes for 36 yards and Damron one catch for 51 yards and a score. Fitzpatrick caught a 30-yard TD pass.
Defensively Buddy Marcum led the way with seven tackles, Slone had 6, while Damron, Davis and Smith each had five stops.
“We were able to move the ball around pretty good and get a lot of players got involved,” Ford said of his team’s balanced offense.
“The win gets us one step closer to making the playoffs. We just have to stay focused and keep working to get better each week. We do that and everything else will take care of itself,” Ford added.
The Class A No. 15 Panthers (6-2) host No. 11 Man in a game Friday night with big playoff implications. The Hillbillies from Logan County are also 6-2 this season.
“Man is always tough and physical and this year is no different. This game will have huge playoff implications, so we have to come ready to play,” Coach Ford concluded.
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Westside: 0 0 8 6 – 14
Tug Valley: 12 12 19 6 – 49