Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Panthers breezed to a 53-0 win over the South Kam Titans on a soggy Saturday afternoon at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park.
Quarterback Thomas Hyett took advantage of a pass-happy first half by going 10 -of-12 for 247 yards to go along with four TDs. Perez Vermeulen was the recipient of the first Hyett pass, a 45-yard touchdown on a slant route.
Vermeulen scored later in the half on a 60-yard bomb to tally 123 yards on three catches.
“I was impressed with how sharp Tommy and our receivers were considering we didn’t play a game last week, said Panther head coach Sean Smith. “Our O-line gave him good time to throw and he was able to find the open man and let our athletes do the rest.”
Five Panthers recorded touchdowns, including a pick six by cornerback Braden Barnard. The Panthers didn’t allow the Titans inside the red zone.
Standout Grade 11 linebacker Charles Lemay led all tacklers with eight, while Kael Black added 6 from his defensive end position. Drew Mackenzie also made six tackles, while Landon Colvin pocketed four. Braden Barnard took an interception 65 yards for a TD, while Brad Hladik also had a pick.
“While we managed to keep them out of the end zone, I was not happy with our tackling as individuals or as a team. We had too many broken-arm tackles and not enough breaking down which resulted in numerous whiffs. We have a week to clean that up or we’re going to be in big trouble next Friday,” added Smith.
The Panthers take on the Fulton Maroons in a Friday Night Lights battle not only for first place, but also for city bragging rights.
“Fulton is playing tough, hard-nosed, disciplined football and are looking very good on both sides of the ball. They’re going to be well prepared for what we run and we aren’t going to see anymore easy TDs. If we’re going to compete with them, we have to improve this week during practice,” said Smith.
Hyett completed 10 of 12 passes for 247 yards. Lemay had six carries for 86 yards, while Black rushed eight times for 62 yards. Hladik pulled in aq 52-yard score, while Isaiah Ondrik posted four atches for 44 yards and Colvin registered an 18-yard TD reception.