Win the battle on the line of scrimmage. That is the mantra Jim Thorpe head coach Mark Rosenberger preaches to his team everyday at practice.

The Olympians (3-0) have certainly listened to their coach’s message, so far, this season. Thorpe shut out its second straight opponent, while once again dominating in the running game, coming away with a 67-0 win over the Panthers.

The Thorpe offense got going early and often Friday night. After Chris Strika intercepted a PV (0-3) pass on its opening possession, the Olympians took over at the their own 47. After five plays, JT got on the board, with CJ Selby taking it 37 yards to end zone. It was Selby’s first of three scores to give Thorpe a quick 7-0 lead.

The Olympians then attacked quickly on their ensuing possession. A 59-yard hook-up between Thorpe quarterback Davier Calcano and tight end Collin Binder gave it a 14-0 lead with under two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Binder made a nice play on the ball after it looked like the PV defender corralled the ball for an interception, Binder was able to reach in and rip the ball out and take it in for the score.

It was evident after the Olympians first two possessions that up front they had the definite advantage.

“It was a great team effort all around tonight. Our offensive and defensive line dominated the game for us,” said Rosenberger. “When our offensive line can do that, with our skill guys, we can move the ball pretty well. I just really like the passion and energy the kids brought this week. It was evident during the week and they carried it over to tonight.”

The Olympians offense exploded in the second quarter, scoring 27 points to extend their lead to 41-0 at the half. A Dom Madera score, two Selby scores and a Kendall Herron one-yard plunge equated for all of Thorpe’s points in the frame. The play of the quarter was a heads up special teams play by Selby on a Panther Valley punt. The ball rolled around the 35-yard line, and as the Panthers players waited for the ball to come to a rest, Selby quickly scooped up the ball and scooted around the right of the PV defense for a touchdown.

“CJ is an outstanding back. He’s got nice speed, but he also plays physical. He’s a presence for us back there, no doubt about it and he had some nice runs tonight,” added Rosenberger.

With the game well in hand, the second half featured mostly reserve players from both sides. Thorpe was still able to put some points on the board with some younger players, scoring 14 in the third and 12 in the fourth.

Jason Bowen, David Fiorito, Ethan Gavornik and Jordan Burak all found the end zone for the Olympians in the second half.

SELBY STRONG

... Selby made the most of his carries on the night, rushing nine times for 173 yards, with two rushing touchdowns and a punt return for a score.

TRIPLE ZEROS

... This marks the third straight season where JT has kept PV out of the end zone, outscoring the Panthers 187-0 over the last three seasons.

SPREADING THE LOVE.

.. Eight different Olympians scored on the night.