Panthers football will look to advance to 2-0 on Saturday at Pompton Lakes. 

Both teams head into the game undefeated, with the Panthers 35-7 triumph over New Milford, and Pompton Lakes defeating Harrison 54-0. 

These two teams battled last season on Nov. 1, in a game the Panthers won 13-0.  Sophomore Andrew Sara had a career game with 20 rushing attempts for 88 rushing yards and a touchdown, while intercepting Cardinal quarterback Jay Patel for a 15-yard pick six. It is unlikely that Patel will start this week for Pompton after senior Michael Eberhart established himself as their best option at quarterback.

In last year’s game the Panthers relied heavily on their ground attack with 44 rushes attempts and only six passing attempts. They were able to run for 187 yards while only throwing for 25 with Ty Scherer completing three of his six passes. Tommy Callahan is the only player on the current roster to have a reception in that game.

Scherer said he will still target Callahan despite his matchup with star cornerback Jesus Aponte.

“I know our guys, I have all the trust in the world in them,” Scherer said.  “I won’t be discouraged by anyone from the other sideline.”

After having a year under center Scherer seemed much more comfortable last week leading the offense to five scores, including  two passing touchdowns, one a 22 yard strike to Callahan, and the other a 20-yard dime to junior Mike McCarthy. The team added three rushing touchdowns, including a 23-yard keeper from Scherer, a five yard rumble to the right pylon by Sara, and an 18-yard burst from sophomore Hayden Yuzon around the left edge.

A point of interest this week will be the clash of Pompton Lakes high-powered offense with Glen Rock’s unmovable defense. Last week against Harrison Eberhart and Patel combined for a perfect seven for seven with 186 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air. Eberhart, Daniel Malkinski, and Justin Garcia all ran their way into the Harrison end zone. Seven players in total carried the ball for the Cardinals combining for 152 rushing yards.

Last week Glen Rock was able to recover a fumble and hold New Milford to under 30 rushing yards and 100 passing yards, while forcing three punts and not allowing a score until the final seconds of regulation.

This game will likely be one of the toughest challenges Glen Rock will face this season, and it will help prove if this year’s team is a serious contender for a state championship.