Boyertown wakes up, wins resumed game against Upper Perkiomen

August 28, 2021

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RED HILL >> Boyertown dug itself a couple of holes soon after play resumed in its football season opener Saturday morning at Upper Perkiomen. But the Bears, who had built themselves a 21-point advantage in the first half Friday night before play was suspended due to thunderstorms in the area, got back on track for a 35-12 non-league win at Bill Keeny Stadium.

Bear junior Anthony Panarello — making his first varsity start at quarterback — threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and Leo Egbe rushed for 107 yards and two scores, including a 40-yard touchdown run in the first half. Brady Thompson ran for 57 yards and a TD for the Indians.

Boyertown received the kickoff to start the second half when play resumed, but fumbled at its own 22-yard line on the first play from scrimmage, then was called for two penalties that moved the ball to the four and Thompson ran into the end zone on fourth down from the one to make it 21-6.

“We started with a 9 a.m. fumble,” said Boyertown coach T.J. Miller. “That has a lot to do with having to go (home) and come back, but that’s no excuse.”

The Bears had more trouble on their next possession, with two more penalties followed by an interception. But the defense quickly forced a punt, which was blocked by Brandon Shane.

Boyertown recovered the ball at the Indian 32, and 13 and 19-yard runs by Egbe quickly made it 28-6.

“I was happy with the way we responded, being able to score back,” said Miller.

Upper Perkiomen’s Logan Simmon looks for running room on a carry against Boyertown on Aug. 27. (Austin Hertzog – MNG)

The Indians countered with a 10-play, 63-yard drive, topped off by a 4-yard pass from Gorje Navarrete to Nevan Smith, making it 28-12 with 10:14 remaining in the contest.

But Boyertown wrapped up the win with a 9-play, 65-yard march that consumed just over six minutes. Panarello carried six times for 51 of the yards and finished it up with an 8-yard run around the left end.

The Bears wound up with 183 yards on 38 carries and Panarello threw for 165 yards, including touchdown passes of 50 yards to Roman Marinello and 85 yards to Jason Oakes in the first half.

Panarello thought that the running game was the key to the offense.

“Leo Egbe … he was running the ball very hard, five to seven yards per carry,” Panarello said. “They just couldn’t stop him. And I was running in the option. We kept running the same plays and they couldn’t stop it. I was a little nervous, the first game. I didn’t know what to expect. It’s a different speed from jayvee. Going home last night tired and getting sore made it very tough, very hard.”

Miller was pleased with his quarterback’s overall performance.

“I’m happy with the way he responded,” said the Bear coach. “One of Anthony’s best qualities is his leadership. He won the job because of his leadership qualities.”

“This is my third year on the team and I already feel like a part of the senior group, even though I’m a junior,” said Panarello. “For the young guys, I’m going to be here another year and I want them to know I’ve got their backs.”

Boyertown’s Luke Ordway celebrates after deflecting a pass against Upper Perkiomen on Aug. 27. (Austin Hertzog – MNG)

The Boyertown defense,which got an interception from William Falkner, held the Indians to 110 total yards, including only 99 on 34 running plays.

“I’m very happy with our defense right now,” said Miller. “Our defensive staff and coach (Derek) Bleiler) … they were quick to the ball, especially (Friday). Our run defense is playing really well.”

Smith and Tyler Miller intercepted passes for the Indian defense, which allowed 348 total yards.

Upper Perk coach Tom Hontz was happy with the way his young team battled, especially considering the three-touchdown deficit when play resumed.

“It would have been easy for us to come back and fold,” he said. “I think we have four guys who were experienced in starting in high school football. Despite the score, (Friday) night, I think we played pretty well. With all the youth and inexperience, I think we played tough. The score was not indicative of the way we played. I saw growth, especially in the receivers and defensive backs.”