GLEN ROCK — The Panthers opened the 2020 football season with a decisive 35-7 win over New Milford at home on Friday night. 

After jumping to an early 14-0 lead, Glen Rock put the game away with two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the first half. Senior quarterback Ty Scherer scrambled for a 23-yard touchdown run, and Nico Hernandez-Torre added the extra point. On the subsequent New Milford possession, junior Michael McCarthy recovered a fumble on the 22-yard line with 37 seconds remaining. On the next snap, Scherer launched a perfectly thrown ball to senior wide receiver Tommy Callahan in the back left corner of the end zone putting the Panthers up 28-0. 

“I knew we had to put a statement on the game and go into the half rolling,” Scherer said. “When that fumble came out with 30 seconds left and we got on it I knew we had to score.”

The ‘new normal’ collided with decades of tradition when the field was filled at limited capacity for the season opener. Each home team player, cheerleader, and band member were given a capped number of wristbands and only spectators with a wristband were allowed in. In compliance with Gov. Murphy, all guests were required to wear masks and remain socially distant. Violators would be asked to leave the game.  

Glen Rock marched downfield in the opening possession, capping it off with a touchdown pass from Scherer to McCarthy to take a 7-0 lead. New Milford struggled to generate any offense throughout the game. Their best opportunity came late in the first quarter when they started a drive in Glen Rock territory after an interception. The drive stalled around the Glen Rock 40-yard line after a pass to the end zone was broken up by Scherer and senior defensive back Danny Crawford. 

In the third quarter junior Andrew Sara ran for a 5-yard Touchdown extending the lead to 35-0. Glen Rock’s defense did a spectacular job keeping the shutout intact until the final seconds of the game. 

“We were just filling our assignments, staying in our gaps and we played good team defense,” Scherer said. 

This year’s team is led by captains Scherer, Callahan and senior Ryan Burstiner. Glen Rock will play at Pompton Lakes next week looking to start the season 2-0.