Hartnell keeps streak going regardless of injuries

On September 30, 2017 coming off a nail biting road win, the Hartnell Football team came home to take on the Gavilan Rams at Rabobank Stadium. This time, with a new face and new number, behind center as freshman (#14) Anthony Cortez suited up as a starter for the Panthers, in place of previous starter (#11) Devin Daich, who had been suffering concussion symptoms from their last win. The team, so far in the season, has run thin as injuries have plagued both sides of the ball, defense and offense. Head Coach, Matt Collins, aware of the situation stated, “The team has done a good job up to this point, to pick up in areas of need and we’ve rallied and found ways to fill the void.” Regardless of their situation, from the very opening drive, Anthony Cortez did not stop to think about it as he led the offense to a drive that finished with a 6-yard touchdown pass to receiver (#1) J’uan Campbell, to put Hartnell onto the scoreboard with 7-0. Gavilan managed to create a scoring drive with under four minutes left in the first quarter, bringing the game to a tie of 7-7. It didn’t take long for the Panthers to respond with a score of their own as (#12) Keishawn Robinson scored on a 19-yard carry to the end zone, in the page 8 2nd quarter with under nine minutes remaining. Gavilan looked as they were ready to answer with another drive, with only three minutes left till the half. However, on the receiving end of a pass was (#9) Jeremiah McCullough of the Panthers, who intercepted and returned for a 40- yard touchdown that would break Gavilan’s momentum for quite some time. During half-time show, children from the Panther Kids Club were invited for a competition on the field by launching rubber-chickens over the goal. Local elementary schools were invited to the game. Heading into the second half, the score stood at 21-7 with the Panthers on the lead. With under nine minutes left (#14) Cortez, who had not taken one snap for the Panthers until this game, went out and led the team on another drive that sealed a touchdown with a 3-yard rush by Cortez himself! With the extra point being no good, it brought the score to 27-7. From here on out, it was a defensive showdown by both teams, our Panthers were ready to pounce at every snap reflecting on the stat sheet that read 7 total sacks, 4.5 which came from the defensive powerhouses that are (#7) Angel Maldonado and (#24) Brian Grace. Things did get heated on the field, and even off to the side but Head Coach Collins, re-grouped his team and kept their heads focused on the game. Gavilan managed to get on the board just once more in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 27-13, after Gavilan’s extra point failed to fall through the upright. Yet, the Panthers defense allowed no more as they capped off their return home with a win. Now the team stands with an overall record of (3-1). Go Panthers!