On Friday, September 23, the Paint Branch Panthers hosted the Montgomery Blair Blazers In an early season football matchup. This game would test the Panthers, but they were able to earn another home win 20-14, to move their overall record to 4-0, while Blair’s overall record is dropped to 2-2.

It was a great turnout as the evening was not only a matchup of good football teams, but also  a tribute to Coach Walter Hardy. The events honoring Coach Hardy took place all night, including  the Poms and the Marching Band performing at halftime.

One of Mr. Hardy’s best friends, Mr. Walker, enjoyed the night and felt it was a strong honor for such an important person. “He was a great man. He was Paint Branch, Mr.PB,” stated Mr. Walker.

In first half, the Blazers started off energized and scored  the first touchdown of the game in the first few minutes of the first quarter  The Blazers added the extra point making the score 7-0.

Quick to make a comeback, PB junior Ishmael Agbodzah scored the first touchdown for the Panthers, also in the first quarter. Fellow junior Norman Douglas passed the ball for the first touchdown. Sadly, the kick was no good, leaving the Panthers down one. In the second quarter,  Agbodzah added to his big night with an interception that he caught and took 62 yards for the score.making the score 14-12, Montgomery Blair up. In the second half, senior Justin Paige scored the deciding touchdown of the game on a 4 yard run, making the final score 20-14.

Reflecting on the nailbiter of a game, varsity team manager Adonia Michael stated,“Our hearts were in utter suspense as the clock was ticking and we almost lost our undefeated streak. But our Panthers successfully crushed Montgomery Blair making us 4-0.”