BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Panthers picked up their first win of the season 13-8 over visiting Sherman High School Friday night at Bob Brewer Stadium in Naugatuck.

Coach Hady Ford’s squad took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Then the Tide of Sherman took the lead 8-7 in the second quarter heading into the dressing room at the half.

Tug Valley took the lead with a touchdown in the third quarter. Then the defense held on to let the Panthers improve to 1-1 on the young season.

Panthers junior quarterback Jaxon Nenni-Mills scored the first TD on a sweep around the left side. Aiden Bosserman booted the extra point.

Tug Valley took the lead as freshman QB Preston May connected with senior Buddy Marcum on a tight end screen to make it 13-8.

Gerald Lester, who gained 95 yards in the game, scored the lone TD for Sherman.

Adam Slone led Tug Valley in rushing with 83 yards on nine carries. Nenni-Mills picked up 38 yards on six carries.

Bryson Elia led the Panthers with 70 yards receiving on four receptions. Marcum caught two passes for 39 yards.

Marcum and Cane Thompson led Tug Valley on defense with eight tackles each. Adam Slone followed with seven, Cam Thompson and Ashton Davis both had six stops, and Austin Smith had five tackles.

“It’s always good to get a win especially against a quality opponent,” Coach Ford said.

“Our defense played much better this week. We played a lot more focused and our intensity and enthusiasm were great,” Ford added. “There’s always room for improvement at every position even on my part as a coach calling plays. Each week is a refining process that I hope we embrace to become a playoff team.”

Tug Valley will play its third straight home game hosting Symmes Valley, Ohio, this Friday.

SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Sherman: 0 8 0 0 – 8
Tug Valley: 7 0 6 0 -13