By Michael Pittinger
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Sterling (September 5, 2015) — On a night when defense would decide who would win this rivalry game between Potomac Falls High School and Dominion High School, the Panthers defeated the Titans, 7-6.
Potomac Falls dominated on the ground early controlling the ball for the majority of the first half. The Panthers would find the end zone with just under ten minutes left in the second quarter when senior quarterback Brady Williams handed the ball off to sophomore fullback Grant Misch for a 2-yard touchdown run.
“I’m proud of our guys for surviving and fighting the whole time,” Potomac Falls head coach Jason Allen said. “I think in the first half we started off on fire.”
After playing two minutes of the third quarter the referees suspended the game because of lightning. The game was delayed for about an hour.
“Everybody was getting nervous about the rain delay and worrying about if we are going to be able to finish or not,” Allen said.
After the game restarted the defensive battle would continue. The Titans had the ball deep in their own territory late in the game, needing a big play to try and tie up the score.
Dominion got the big play when junior running back Vashon McCants got to the outside and took it 71 yards for the score. The Titans holder mishandled the extra point snap and was tackled before they could get the kick off.
“[That touchdown run was] kind of our problem,” Allen said. “We’ve got to stay mentally rounded and finish the game.”
The Titans would then try and recover the ensuing onside kick to give themselves one last chance to win the game. After the referees were able to determine that Potomac Falls had recovered the onside kick, the Panthers would go on to run the clock out to seal their first victory of the young season.
“I’m very happy,” Allen said. “I’m proud of my guys for the win, but obviously we have got some stuff to work on.”
The Panthers head to Falls Church to take on Falls Church High School on September 11.
The Titans will host VHSL 4A West region foe Rock Ridge High School on September 11.
Scoring Plays:
2Q 9:45 PF Grant Misch 2-yard TD run (PAT Good)
4Q 2:09 D Vashon McCants 71-yard TD run (PAT Failed)
