ST. GEORGE – The battle of two tough local gridiron teams was won in the trenches Friday night. The Panthers of Pine View pushed the Desert Hills Thunder all over the field on both sides of the ball in a 30-7 victory at Desert Hills.
The night began with the Panthers defense shutting down the Thunder on their first possession, forcing them into a three and out. The ensuing punt was returned to the Desert Hills nine yard line and Panther quarterback Alec Mecham followed his offensive linemen into the endzone for the nights first score. Mecham would go on to score a total of three touchdowns on the ground and throw for another.
The Panther defense kept the Thunder off balance throughout the contest, sacking quarterback Chase Webster a number of times and pressuring him most of the night. The Thunder running backs struggled to find room to run as the Pine View defenders showed off their size and speed.
The Thunders lone score of the night came with about 45 seconds remaining in the first half. Webster found running back Mike Needham with a short dump off pass and Needham dove over the goal line to make the half time score 16-7.
The loss for the Thunder takes their season record to 3-1 and will play at Dixie next week.
The Panthers improve to 3-1 with the victory and will face Cedar at Pine View next.
Robert is a professional sports photographer and freelance writer. You can see more photos from this game and other local sporting events at his website www.ASPpix.com. You can also see more of his work at his blog www.stgsportsblog.com. Contact him at [email protected].