BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

LICK CREEK, Ky. — The Tug Valley Panthers rolled to a 54-6 road win over East Ridge on Friday night.

The Panthers jumped out to a 21-6 lead after one quarter and led 48-6 at halftime.

Coach Hady Ford took his foot off the gas pedal in the second half as a running clock went into effect with the large lead by Tug Valley.

Bryson Elia had 207 yards of total offense, including 112 on the ground and 105 through the air. He scored four touchdowns for Tug Valley. Several other Panthers hit paydirt for touchdowns, including Cameron Slone, Buddy Marcum, Gavin Fitzpatrick and Ashton Davis. Aiden Bosserman kicked six extra points.

Freshman QB Preston May had another good game, completing 13 of 18 passes for 247 yards and five TDs. Jaxon Nenni-Mills also tossed a TD pass in the game for TVHS.

On defense Dakoda Walker led the way with seven tackles, Davis and Jarron Holyfield each had six stops, and Cane Thompson had five tackles. Austin Smith and Davis both had two sacks against the Warriors.

“We played well. We’re getting better each week,” said Coach Panther Hady Ford. “There are always things to improve on, but we’re definitely moving in the right direction.

“Preston May is doing a good job throwing the ball and making good decisions offensively. Bryson Elia had back-to-back 100-yard rushing and receiving games with nine total TDs.

“Defensively we are getting better. With a couple of injuries on defense other players have been stepping up and doing a good job. We’re just pleased with the progress we are making and hope we keep a good mindset and keep working as a team and continue to work and get better each week.”

Tug Valley, now 3-1 on the season, has a bye this week and will play host to rival Tolsia on Friday, Sept. 29.

SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Tug Valley: 21 27 0 6 – 54
East Ridge: 6 0 0 0 – 6