Another game and another convincing win for the Nease Panthers, this time against the visiting Fletcher Senators, 39-0, as the defense pitched a shutout and K.J. Perry ran for three touchdowns.
According to Nease head coach Collin Drafts, the soggy field made it a perfect night for Perry to take over the game and he did just that when the offense leaned on him.
It was yet another way that the Panthers (3-0) proved they could win, after spreading it out and slinging it around with success in the passing games the first couple of weeks only to control the contest with a commanding rushing attack against the Senators.
“It’s just the same mindset every week, and when we line them up it doesn’t matter who it is, we just know we have to get the job done,” Perry said.
He credited Cam Smith for teaching him the offense and what it takes to be a starting running back last year and that has translated now that he has taken over that role this season.
One of the things Perry worked on during the offseason is his speed and his breakaway ability have been noticeable to go with his physical style in the early part of the season.
“I really spent time working on my speed, and it’s helped me to not be caught from behind as much,” Perry said.
However, his physical style also remains, and he noticed it playing a huge role especially as the game wore on against the Senators and he seemed to only run stronger.
“The defense gets tired of tackling you as the game moves along, and the o-line does a great job of blocking for me, so I like to feed them with touchdowns,” Perry chuckled.
On the defensive side, it was the second shutout for defensive coordinator Robert Garth at Nease and senior linebacker Joe Miracle said it was great to see the reserves come in during the fourth quarter, which featured a running clock, and secure the goose egg on the scoreboard.
Next up for the Panthers is a huge rivalry game on the road against fellow unbeaten St. Augustine High on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
