Sixth-grade Panthers open playoffs with OT win

Under beautiful sunny skies, the Johnston Panther sixth Grade team hosted the Providence Packers in the opening round of the playoffs on Sunday. Even though the Panthers had played the Packers earlier and the season and came away with a victory, they knew it was going to be a tough game, and a tough game it was. Johnston eventually prevailed in an overtime thriller 12-6.

The Panther defense of Jake Picard, Lee Ray, Joey Patterson, Roman Stanley, Wayne Smith, Nic Comella, James Isme, Tim Isom, Justin Powell, Avian Farrell and Tom Comella held the Packers to a four-and-out on the first possession of the game.  Little did the defense know that this was a preview of what was to come. The Packers defense also held the Panthers to a four-and-out on their first possession of the game. To end the first quarter, the Packers hurt themselves with several penalties, and Johnston stopped a scoring threat when Tom Comella made a touchdown-saving tackle on a long pass. The black and blue defense led by Nicholas Butler, Nicholas Guenette, Isme and Farrell held the Packers without any points.

In the second quarter the Panthers went four-and-out and Tim Isom punted the ball. The Packers offense stepped up with strong runs by its quarterback but Stanley and Powell stopped a reverse run play and when the quarterback threw on the next play, Butler intercepted the ball to end the first half. The score was 0-0.  

To start the second half, Powell received the kickoff and ran for 15 yards. Nic Comella added 21 yards and Tom Comella threw a 20-yard pass to Farrell. Powell added 10 yards which led to a Nic Comella 17-yard touchdown run.  The extra point was no good but the Panthers were on the board 6-0.

Smith and Issac Samoya had great tackles on the Packers’ next drive, but it was not enough as the Packers quarterback broke free for a 40-yard touchdown. Smith, Patterson and Picard had a great defensive stop to keep the Packers from getting the extra point. 

The game was tied 6-6, and the defensive battle continued in the fourth quarter, which sent the game to overtime.

Overtime rules give each team a possession with the ball at the 10-yard line. The Panthers won the coin toss and decided to go on defense first. The first two offensive plays were unsuccessful for the Packers and on third down Butler came up with an interception. 

Johnston took over and didn’t waste the opportunity. Nic Comella went up the middle for a 6-yard gain. When his number was called again he ran for a 4-yard touchdown, the game-winner.

The win moved Johnston into the semifinals, which were scheduled for Wednesday. Results were unavailable at press time.