Panthers pick up first win of season

NEW BREMEN - The Parkway football team celebrated after a win to the tune of its alma mater for the first time this season.

The Panthers received strong efforts from sophomore quarterback Justin Barna and their defensive unit in a 35-12 victory over New Bremen, spoiling the Cardinals' Senior Night and keeping them winless on the season.

It was a bittersweet feeling for Panther coach Dan Cairns, who had two good friends and former colleague's on the losing sideline.

"(The win) was bittersweet," Cairns said. "It's great to get that first win. The reason I say it's bittersweet is because I've got two good friends that are coaching for New Bremen. I was sick to my stomach all week. A win for us was going to mean misery for them. I felt really bad about that just because I've been in their shoes. I know what it feels like. I just wish it weren't them."

The Panthers put up season bests in points scored and points allowed.

Barna's play under center was a big reason for that.

The sophomore had touchdown runs of 68 and 43 yards in the second quarter and threw two scoring passes to Ryan Lautzenheiser - a back-breaking 24-yard strike as time expired in the first half and a 10-yarder that put the Panthers up 28-6 with 4:17 to go in the third quarter.

The last five games between the teams were decided by 23 points, but the Panthers put any thought of a close game away with a 21-point second quarter.

The Cardinals struck first with 11:55 to play in the second frame, as senior quarterback Trey Naylor found Greg Parker for a two-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-two. Naylor had a big 20-yard completion to classmate Nick Gusching on a third-and-13 and a 10-yard run to help set up the score.

But Barna evened the score with his 68-yard keeper 33 seconds later.

Barna ran for his 43-yard TD with 5:43 to play in quarter two. Kevin Flaugher had two second-quarter interceptions, with the latter setting up the final score of the half. Two big runs by Lautzenheiser and Barna plus a defensive holding call helped the Panthers move within striking distance following the pick. With :00.9 left, Barna took the snap and delivered a perfect ball to Lautzenheiser in the corner of the end zone.

The Cardinals had the ball on the Parkway side of the field four times in the opening half but had three turnovers that killed every drive except for one.   

"That (late touchdown), coupled with us squandering many, many opportunities (hurt)," said New Bremen coach Jason McGaharan, who coached for Cairns at Sidney. "When you run 39 plays in the first half and you only come away with six points, you just can't do that. As much as our defense has been a gaping hole all season, our best defense has been our offense."

Naylor, who finished the night 19-of-31 passing for 194 yards, ran one into the end zone from 13 yards out for the Cardinals' final touchdown with 5:48 left in the fourth quarter. Parkway running back Sage Dugan capped off his 13-carry, 64-yard performance with a seven-yard touchdown less than a minute later.

"It felt great to win the way we did," Cairns said. "I thought we played pretty good, sound all around. The defense bent but it didn't break. We had a couple picks and I thought the offensive line really stepped up tonight. We did a great job running the ball with Barna and Sage Dugan."   

Barna was the star of the night, finishing 8-of-15 passing for 74 yards and running 14 times for 151 yards.

"Beginning of the year, he was just a little nervous," said Cairns on the progress of his sophomore QB. "I think as the weeks have gone, starting with Versailles two weeks ago, he's gotten more confident and it's definitely something that we need. He can be a deal-breaker when he's playing well."

Kris Gangwer added 61 yards on the ground and an interception in the win. Kicker Justin Rice was a perfect 5-for-5 on extra point attempts.

Cardinal running back Ben Schwieterman had an effective night on the ground, carrying the ball 17 times for 101 yards. Gusching added five catches for 66 yards.

Parkway (1-8 and 1-6 in the Midwest Athletic Conference) will go for win number two next week at home against Minster.

The Cardinals (0-9, 0-7) travel to play Coldwater at Cavalier Stadium.

"We play in the toughest league in the state of Ohio and our kids never quit," McGaharan concluded. "Our kids won't next week either. Damn proud of these guys."