Panthers Fall to Notre Dame in Close Game

The Panthers suffered a tough loss to Notre Dame-Green Pond Friday, in what was their Homecoming game.

Notre Dame (1-6) limited (2-5) to one first down in the first half and scored 10 unanswered points to hold a 10-0 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Panthers controlled the third quarter, with Saucon scoring 10 unanswered points as running for a touchdown and kicking the Point After Touchdown (PAT). The Panthers again drove the ball downfield and this drive ended as Huston kicked a 23-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to tie the score at 10.

In the fourth, Notre Dame regained its earlier offensive punch and responded with a touchdown to take a 16-10 lead, although the Crusader pass for the 2-point conversion failed. The determined Panthers again moved the ball downfield and the drive ended as Solt rushed for his second touchdown of the game with 1:58 remaining in the fourth quarter, to tie the score at 16. Unfortunately, the speedy P.J. Santos was able to come untouched from the left side to block Huston's PAT attempt, which would have given the Panthers the lead.

With the game tied 16-16, Notre Dame began its winning drive on the 34-yard line with 1:26 on the clock. Notre Dame's Kyree Bowles (239 yards) broke free for two long runs, first around the left edge and again up the middle, but it was a nice end around run by Dysean Alexander that put the ball on the 9-yard line. The enthusiastic fans from both schools witnessed a thrilling end to this football game.

With 15.4 seconds remaining, the Crusaders had a third down on the 3-yard line when a high snap sailed over the outstretched arms of quarterback Gary Poulson, however Bowles, who was a thorn in the Panthers' side throughout the game, was just barely able to recover the loose ball as Notre Dame retained possession at the 16-yard line. With 8.1 seconds on the clock, Connor Hughes kicked his second field goal of the game, which would seal the 19-16 win.

With 4.2 seconds on the clock, the Crusaders kicked off, however the Panthers were unable to pull off the needed miracle return.

During halftime at the game, the six members of Saucon Valley's Homecoming Court and their escorts had the traditional ride in convertibles past the grandstand to the east side of the field.

The following students were members of this year's court:

• Alyssa Whitman and escort Griffin Whitman
• Kelly Schoenberger and escort Ray O'Donnell
• Courtney Amelio and escort Jason Okken
• Amanda Long and escort Isaac Martin
• Emma Schanzenbach and escort Erich Schanzenbach
• Meghan McCullough and escort Kody Kemmerer

As each couple crossed the field on the 50-yard line, they were introduced and each court member was greeted by Sarah Baab, the 2010 Saucon Valley Homecoming Queen, and given a bouquet of flowers.

During the ceremony, Amanda Long was named the Homecoming Queen for 2011.

As it turned out, Amanda had forgotten her Court sash, but she happily accepted the Queen's sash, the crown and a bouquet of roses from Baab.