Friday night football brought together two teams and communities separated by just 28 miles, 35 minutes and a lot of pride.
As promised, BHHS Head Coach Shaun Bavaro and his staff brought their new high energy system to the field as the Gold Beach Panthers behind Head Coach Kevin Swift rolled into town for this Hwy. 101 showdown.
The Bruins wasted no time showing just how up tempo and aggressive this new ‘WIN NOW! culture will be as the opening kick-off was an on-side kick in an attempt to surprise the Panthers and steal the opening possession. However, the ball did not travel the required 10 yards and the Bruins gave up field position.
Junior Jacub McCollum #87 would take care of that by dominating the first 2 minutes of the game with an interception on the Panthers first play from scrimmage, 2 catches for over 20 yards and a 10 yard touchdown catch from senior quarterback Ethan Hooper #10 all within the first 2:00 minutes of play.
The Panthers came out and attacked again, and again the Bruin defense jumped the route and Bruin defensive back Ja’moria Beasely #1 was on his way to the endzone.
The Bruins used all 3 quarterbacks in Bavaro’s QB pen. Senior quarterback Ethan Hooper #10 not only threw for touchdowns, but also ran for a 55 yard touchdown. Junior quarterback Andrew Burger #4 hit junior wide-receiver Derek Tuttle #42 on a quick slant for a 55 yard touchdown, and junior quarterback Logan Holler #11 not only ran for a 6 yard touchdown, he threw a 50 yard touch down pass to Jacub McCollum.
The Panthers, after a short preparation time that limited their play selection, did not relent, and coach Swift’s team decided they were going to pound their way to a touchdown. And that is just what they did. The left side of the Gold Beach line opened holes and pushed their way down the field with a ground and pound effort. The Panthers did use that big left side of their line to open a hole for Panther quarterback sophomore Trenton Storns #13, who would run left for a 10 yard touchdown.
After the game, coach Bavaro said “my hats off to coach Swift and credit to that group of kids, they are very gritty.” “Our kids did well with the communication. We want to push the issue with the tempo and be able to control the speed of the game. Yes we are an improved ball club, but no where near where we want to be.”
The Bruins are on the road to match-up with the Bandon Tigers next Friday night at 7:00pm.
