CARY -- Panther Creek has gotten to be pretty defensive about playing in its home stadium, but the Catamounts took "defensive" efforts to another level Friday night.
By defeating Sanderson 50-0, Panther Creek won its 10th consecutive win at home -- a streak that dates back to 2009 -- and did so by not allowing the visiting Spartans to advance past midfield until 2:38 in the fourth quarter. Panther Creek's defense held Sanderson (0-2) to minus-5 yards of total offense and just two first downs.
It was also a game of redemption for the Panther Creek offense, which was shut out 49-0 in its season-opener at Leesville Road, but scored on the first play of scrimmage Friday night.
"We talked this week about keeping your mouth shut and just (executing)," said Panther Creek coach Wayne Bragg. "(Last week's loss) brought a lot of our kids back down to reality. They've realized that those guys they were counting on last year are gone so it's one of them who will have to step up."
Junior running back David Mayaka took the opening handoff and went down the right sideline 58 yards for a touchdown. It wasn't even the only one-play, 58-yard touchdown drive of the game for Panther Creek -- Dorrel McClain added one of those later on a quarterback draw out of the "wildcat" formation.
The momentum never shifted away from the Catamounts (1-1), who will be at home again next week to start Tri-Nine Conference play next week against Athens Drive.
"We take pride (in the streak)," Bragg said. "We like playing (at home)."
Mayaka also scored on a 7-yard draw play. Quarterback Jordan Jensen threw a first-quarter touchdown pass to Jamel Ross from four yards out.
Panther Creek's special teams were also strong, as kicker Garrett Lang field goals from 23 and 35 yards out and senior Matt Williams added a safety in the third quarter by tackling the Sanderson punter in the end zone.
Junior running back Vitu Chilongo and senior fullback Michael Sweeney each added touchdown runs from within the 5-yard line for the Catamounts late in the game.
Panther Creek defensive players Palmer Perkins and Andy Barth had multiple tackles for loss, while McClain added an interception.
Sanderson will host Green Hope (1-1) next week.
"We've got to go back and decide to work hard," said Sanderson coach Tony Lewis. "Tonight we did not (come out ready to play) and that was evident by everything we did on the field."
