Getting better.

With the Schuylkill Football League Division 1 schedule starting up for Lehighton next week, it was imperative that the Indians went into their first league game playing good football.

That mission was accomplished as the Tribe (3-2) dominated Panther Valley from the opening kick, coming away with a 45-7 victory on a special Thursday night edition of high school football, supporting the Bo Tkach Foundation.

The Indians received the kick and wasted no time putting points on the board. A seven-play, 70-yard drive, capped off by a Brett Gasker two-yard plunge gave Lehighton an early 6-0 lead.

Chris Whiteman then intercepted an Ethan Reis pass on the Panthers (1-4) ensuing possession, setting up the Tribe with good field position at the Panthers 28-yard line. Whiteman would then cash in from his own turnover, rushing 24 yards for a score at the 6:19 mark. A successful two-point conversion attempt made it a two-score lead and gave Lehighton the early momentum it was looking for.

It was evident that Lehighton wanted to establish physicality from the onset in the trenches, which they did. The Tribe got consistent push up front, and Whiteman was well protected in the pocket, enabling him to attack the Panthers defense downfield with both his arm and legs.

“We wanted to come in here and come away with a win, and we were able to do that. I have to give credit to our kids because they made plays and played well,” Lehighton coach Tom McCarroll said. “Coming out and playing well up front was a focal point for us tonight. We haven’t been able to run the ball consistently, but tonight we were able to put it together. We have the pieces to do it, we just need to be more consistent.

“Credit to Panther Valley as well for battling. I know they have some injury problems and some low numbers right now, and their kids really played hard.”

Lehighton would rack on three more scores to give it a 32-point advantage at the half. A Zach Crum 23-yard reception, a 25-yard run from JJ McDowell and a 45-yard shovel pass from Whiteman to tight end Ben Schatz would account for the three Indians’ scores.

Lehighton was also impressive defensively throughout the first half, forcing two turnovers and three punts, while stopping the Panthers twice on fourth down conversion attempts. Even with the Panthers offense struggling over the past few weeks, Panther Valley quarterback Ethan Reis has still made some plays. His ability to stretch plays with his legs can be dangerous for a defense and sometimes allows receivers to get behind the defense.

The Indians secondary also played well, staying with Panther Valley receivers even when Reis was able to avoid the rush and break contain. The Tribe forced three interception and held the Panthers passing attack to 69 yards.

“Reis can throw the ball, so coming in we stressed really trying to lock down there. We knew that if we didn’t play discipline that he could hurt us, so I’m proud of our guys for the way they played in the secondary. Overall, we had a good defensive night,” said McCarroll. “Like I said, proud of our guys for this win. I like where we’re at right now, and we need to take this momentum into league play next week.”

A Whiteman three-yard score in the third and a Kyle Mayernik one-yard rush late in the fourth would get the Tribe to 45. Panther Valley’s lone score came on a six-yard hookup between Reis and Blake White.

WHITEMAN WORKS WONDERS … Whiteman was impressive in this one. The senior signal caller threw for two scores, while also rushing for two touchdowns.

POSITIVE STEPS … The Panthers have struggled the last two weeks on the offensive side of the ball, being on the negative side in the total yardage department in their previous two games. PV improved this week with 93 total yards and also got in the end zone for the first time in three weeks.

GAINING CONFIDENCE … Lehighton sophomore running back JJ McDowell is starting to gain confidence. The youngster rushed for 89 yards, including a nice 25-yard touchdown run. He has big play ability, averaging just over 11 yards per carry in this one.