Johnston 10U, 12U advance to regional finals

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This past Sunday, the undefeated 12U Johnston Panthers were in the American Youth Football New England Regional quarterfinals, hosted in Cumberland. They were facing the Nashua (N.H.) Crusaders, who they defeated 35-16.

With the win, Johnston stayed undefeated and advanced to the final round of the New England regional tournament. They are scheduled to play on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. at Stello’s Stadium in Nashua, N.H. against a still to-be determined opponent.

On Sunday, Joey Patterson kicked off and pinned the Crusaders back on their own 10-yard line. The defensive line of Jacob Marins, Daryl Harly, Arion Kennedy, Tom Columbo and Justin Salvatore was tough. The Crusaders had two passes for first downs each, but the defense stiffened up and did not let them in to Panther territory.

On the Panthers’ first offensive series, Nic Comella ran for a first down and Tom Comella followed with a 45-yard touchdown for the first score of the game. Quarterback Zack Lavergne threw for the extra point to Tim Isom for a 7-0 Panther lead in the 1st quarter.

On the next defensive possession, Isom intercepted the ball for the Panthers and took it in for a touchdown. However, a block in the back penalty nullified the touchdown, but still gave the Panthers the ball in Crusader territory. Soon after, Nic Comella ran the ball for 10 yards and James Isme had 25-yard run. Tom Comella added a 15-yard run. The offensive line of Joey Patterson, Arion Kennedy, Tom Columbo, Daryl Harley, Justin Salvatore, Jacob Mainey and Isom cleared the way for the running backs to pound the ball.

Next, Laverne threw a 10-yard touchdown to Isme in the back of the end zone and Isme ran in the extra point. The Panthers’ lead was 14-0.

The black and blue defense kept its ground and forced the Crusaders to a four-and-out. Nic Comella ran for 30 yards and then 10 yards for another Panther touchdown. Joey Patterson converted the extra point kick to increase the lead to 22-0 in the second quarter.

The defense played well, with tackles by Joey Charette, Jacob Mainey and Sebastian Brooks forcing the Crusaders to another four-and-out.

Lavergne started the drive with a 13-yard pass to Isom. Tom Comella added 15 and 20-yard runs for another Panther touchdown. The extra point was unsuccessful, but the lead had grown to 28-0.

It continued badly for the Crusaders, who were forced to another four-and-out and the Panthers’ offense once again took advantage of it. Isme had a 12-yard run and Nic Comella ran for a first down. Laverne completed a pass to Isom again for a 7-yard gain. Laverne then threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Tom Comella, his third of the day. Nic Comella converted the extra point and the Panthers’ lead was 35-0 going into halftime.

10U wins too

The Johnston Youth 10U football team continued its winning ways this Sunday, defeating the Pelham (N.H.) Razorbacks 19-6 in the New England regional semifinals at Cumberland High School.

Isaiah DeBritto scored all three touchdowns for the Panthers, helping to lead them to the win.

With the win, Johnston advances to the regional finals in Nashua, N.H. on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 9 a.m. (Sun Rise photos by Mike Zawistoski / MZ Sports Shots @ efotolab.com)

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