The way the contest began had fans thrilled with back and forth scoring action as Saucon Valley and Palmerton traded touchdowns throughout the first quarter.

However, a crucial turnover and a sputtering offense ended up yielding the Panthers too many scoring opportunities.

Saucon Valley took advantage and went on to defeat the Bombers, 35-14, in a week three Colonial League clash.

Following the early fireworks, the game was tied at 14-14 and onlookers began to believe that whoever had the ball last would prevail.

But on Palmerton’s third possession, it was moving the ball along nicely before a fumble was pounced on by Chris Orlemann, giving Saucon the ball at its own 43.

The Panthers’ knockdown, smash-mouth style of running game went into execution mode and 12 plays later, junior tailback Chris Mann found paydirt from the 10 for the go-ahead score and the momentum turning play.

“It was ugly early on and we were getting carved up pretty good there,” Saucon Valley head coach Brad Trembler said. “Then Dante (Mahaffey) made a big play, stripping the ball, it kind of flipped the possession battle, and we did a great job of adjusting. Getting turnovers defensively, getting down field when we needed. It was a great win for us.”

On the Bombers’ next drive they once again had seemingly no trouble moving the ball up field. However, an interception on the last play before halftime allowed Saucon Valley to maintain its 21-14 edge.

After forcing a punt to start the second half, Palmerton tossed another interception, and the Panthers made them pay. This time, it was sophomore running back Damian Garcia, who went in from the three for a 28-14 advantage.

“This is the best that our running attack has looked all year,” Trembler said. “We struggled with a lot of things in week one and with such a young team, it’s expected. But every day, we just seem to be getting better and better.”

For Palmerton, which also threatened late in the game before the clock ran out, injuries continue to be a factor for their depth-starved lineup.

“It’s a credit to them because their physicality just beat us up and wore us down,” Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak said.

“They were moving the ball well and their offensive line was very effective. We just couldn’t rebound and get back into it. We had guys running plays, but we just didn’t bring our ‘A’ game to match their physicality.”

PALMERTON POSITIVES ... Despite the loss, which drops the Bombers to 1-2 on the season, they still managed more total offense than the Panthers (338-321).

PRIDE OF PANTHERS ... Saucon utilized all of its resources in its running attack as five different runners contributed big moments — most notably Garcia, who carried 20 times for 108 yards and two scores. Chris Mann also had a nice outing, toting 10 times for 94 yards and TD.

STANDOUT STUDENTS ... In spite of the loss, the Palmerton student section set itself apart, donning tropical attire and dancing to classics by Miley Cyrus and Smashmouth.