Fourth grade Panthers taking care of business

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It was a perfect day for football on Sunday, and the Johnston Panthers fourth grade team made it count with a 33-12 victory over the Lincoln Lions.

The Panthers took an early lead when Dimetri Iafrate ran 50 yards for a touchdown on the second offensive play from scrimmage. The Panthers failed to put the ball into the end zone on the extra point attempt, making it 6-0. On Lincoln's next possession, which took up most of the quarter, the Lions managed to get into the end zone to tie the game 6-6. They also failed on their extra point attempt.

On Johnston's second possession, Joey Acciardo ran a misdirection quarterback keeper and covered the final 30 yards to score Johnston's second touchdown.

“Joey is the leader of the team and that’s why the ball starts in his hands,” coach Brian Iafrate said. “His energy and excitement really gets the team going each week.”

Johnston finally found its way into the end zone for the extra point when Dimetri Iafrate managed to get in on a busted play. Although the Panthers only ran 7 plays in the first half, they were ahead 13-6 at halftime.

Johnston opened up the scoring in the second half on a 70-yard touchdown run by Dimetri Iafrate. Lincoln's offense then had trouble moving the ball on the Johnston defense, which was led by top tackler C.J. Ragosta along with Antonio Gemma, Dylan Silva, Dante Ricci, Ryan Schino, Todd Dilullo, Andrew Picard, Gianni Palumbo, Isaiah DeBritto, Dante Iafrate, Carlos Alfaia, Gian Carroccio, Matthias Barros and Nick Perron.

On Johnston's next possession, Dimetri Iafrate got into the end zone for the third time from 12 yards out. The extra point was no good. Johnston's offense was led by superior blocking up front by Phil Costantini, Kenneth Irizarry, Schino, Gemma, Palumbo, Picard and Dante Iafrate.

"Our offensive line has been outstanding all season and has really controlled the line of scrimmage every game this year,” coach Iafrate said. “The coaching staff stresses each week that if we can control the line of scrimmage we can control the game and our offensive linemen have answered the call every Sunday.”

The final scoring drive was powered by Isaiah DeBritto, who found his way into the end zone from 15 yards out and also managed to get in for the extra point.

"It was a great team victory as we enforced all week to win as one,” Iafrate said. “We are proud of our guys. They have done everything we have asked them to do and more this year."

The Panthers’ next game will be this Sunday at Johnston High School, part of a full day of home games for the Johnston Youth Football League. The flag game starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Jr. Mites at 9:30, fourth grade at 11, fifth grade at 12:30, sixth grade at 2, seventh grade at 3:30 and eighth grade at 5.

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