Saucon Valley Edges Solehi, 20-17

When Southern Lehigh hosted Saucon Valley Friday night, Spartan fans were undoubtedly hoping for a different outcome. Saucon Valley had only won two games this season (against Palmerton and Salisbury) prior to Friday night's contest. Since it was Southern Lehigh Youth Night, the Southern Lehigh stands were packed and spirit-filled. The Panther crowds were smaller and quieter. But the game was decided on the field and although both teams came to play, Southern Lehigh's mistakes at key times ended up favoring the Panthers, who won 20-17.

Early in the game, it looked as if the Spartans would dominate the game as they played a controlled game, starting with a Mike Wagner field goal.  However, the Panthers answered with seven points after Spencer Felix pulled down a pass and ran the ball across the goal line.

The second quarter continued to favor Saucon as it intercepted a pass deep in Spartan territory and quickly converted the turnover into a touchdown. Southern Lehigh's Jake Melusky kept Southern Lehigh in the game with a touchdown from a Tyler Edmond pass.

The second half saw both teams battling for field position as the third quarter elapsed and both teams went scoreless. Southern Lehigh drew first blood in the fourth quarter as Melusky took another ball across the line. However, the Panthers followed with a Matt Laub touchdown. The continued pressure by Saucon's defense resulted in a recovered fumble, sending the Panthers into jubilant celebration as they realized a win was in reach. They disrupted the Spartan passing game in the final minutes for their third win of the 2011 season.

The Spartans (4-4) remain in first place in the Colonial League South Division and will play at Palisades on Friday. Saucon Valley's (3-5) win propels the team into second place in the South Division. The Panthers will take on Wilson at home on Friday.