PINE GROVE — It took four tries, but Panther Valley finally got a win.

Saturday evening’s long bus ride to Pine Grove was worth the trip for the Panthers, as they scored touchdowns in each of the first three quarters and spoiled the Cardinals’ Homecoming Night by posting a 21-6 victory — their first of the season.

There was plenty of praise to go around for Panther Valley, with its offensive line deserving a bulk of the credit.

Led by the truck-size tackle Marco Tessitore —at 6-2, 315 — the Panthers gave Pine Grove fits in the trenches. Joining Tessitore up front were Carols Maldanado (6-1, 250), Teegan Brideson (6-2, 250) Jerry Harrison (6-1, 270) and also a very active Brody Vermillion (6-1, 210).

The main beneficiary of PV’s line play was Brody Breiner.

The elusive, athletic quarterback followed the boys upfront and darted his way across the field, directing the three scoring drives — including one in which he finished with a 2-yard run in the third frame. That score basically drove a dagger into the host team, and sealed the win for the Panthers. The march went for 50 yards on nine plays.

“We finally got off the snide,” said Panther Valley head coach Mark Lavine with a smile.

It was due the Panthers after hanging around in a couple of games earlier this season.

“I thought we played well last week (against Marian) in the first half,” Lavine said. “Our background was running the ball. We threw the ball well, but we haven’t been able to run the ball.”

PV did just that with consistency against the Cardinals.

Breiner was impressive with 118 yards and 20 carries, while freshman Carson Jones had 65 yards on 19 touches. Jones also added a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that made the score 14-0 after Chase McArdle snared the two-point conversion.

As impressive as the running game was, the defense was just as good.

“This is two straight weeks our defense played well,” Lavine said. “We have athletic kids, some two- and three-year starters, and now we’re tackling better. We make that an emphasis. They’re playing together as a unit, which is nice.”

For Breiner, it was a noteworthy win.

Last year, the 5-10 senior never made it to the gridiron after suffering a season-ending injury. He’s at full strength now, and made his presence felt on Saturday.

“Our offensive line was just great, they controlled everything, and I was able to make some runs,” Breiner said.

After coming up empty in its first drive, even though it looked touchdown-bound, Panther Valley was forced to punt. But the defense took control, registering a quick three-and-out.

Thanks to a good punt return by Ben Baneravage, the Panthers set up shop on the Cardinals’ 11-yard line. Three plays later, PV was in the end zone.

Breiner connected with senior Peter Kruslicky on an 8-yard scoring toss to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.

The touchdown seemed to give Panther Valley momentum, which it rode to scores in each of the next two periods.

Its second one may have been its most impressive, using 12 plays while running time off the clock. The offensive line asserted itself, especially the left side. In all, Lavine’s club moved 64 yards with Jones going the final three.

With the 14-0 advantage at the break, there was no let up by the Panthers.

The defense stuffed Pine Grove’s offense, forcing a 20-yard miscue. Following the ensuing punt, PV completed its third scoring drive to take command at 21-0.

Breiner ripped off gains of 11 and seven yards, and later went for runs of 12, six and four yards. He capped the possession by blasting his way into the end zone.

“We’re preaching all week that we have to get the run game going because the last couple of weeks it wasn’t there,” Breiner said. “We found something we really liked behind Marco and Carlos, and it was amazing all night. They created a lot of good holes for me.”

Pine Grove averted a shutout when Logan Troup finished off his team’s best drive zipping seven yards into the end zone during the fourth quarter.

“This win is amazing. We’ve been looking for this win since Week 1 … We finally got it this week,” Tessitore said. “Our coach made it a priority this week that we would run the ball, make sure they can’t stop us.”

QUOTABLE … “Marco Tessitore is one of the best defensive tackles and offensive tackles around in the area … He’s a man,” said Lavine of his two-way player.

QUOTABLE II … “I feel like we had a really gritty defense. Everybody was flying around, getting low, tackling well. We had a couple of goal-line stands, which was amazing to see,” said Breiner.

SECOND HALF … Breiner rushed for 86 of his yards in the second half, riding the backs of Maldanado and Tessitore.

UP NEXT … The Panthers travel to Nativity (St. Clair Stadium) Friday evening before coming home to meet Tri-Valley.

COUNTING IT UP … Panther Valley (1-3) finished with 242 yards of offense. Pine Grove (0-4) managed just 105.

Panther Vy. 21, Pine Grove 6

Panther Valley 6 8 7 0 - 21

Pine Grove 0 0 0 6 - 6

PV - Kruslicky 8 pass from Breiner (pass failed)

PV - Jones 3 run (McArdle pass from Breiner)

PV - Breiner 2 run (Williams kick)

PG - Troup 7 run (pass failed)