St. Pius X has had some memorable moments in its first season under the tutelage of Billy Noonan.
Friday's 36-35 victory over Concordia Lutheran definitely takes over the top slot on the memory list as the Panthers held on late for their second win of the season.
"So proud of my guys that they never gave up," Noonan said. "They never stopped competing and them responding that way gave us a chance and they made the plays to get the win."
Trailing 35-28, St. Pius X struck pulling within one with 4:57 remaining after trailing 28-21 at the half.
An extra point would tie it.
"There was no hesitation, we were going for two," Noonan said.
The Panthers went for it and linebacker Jagger Pagano ended up being the one who would catch the pass for the two-point conversion, putting St. Pius X up 36-35.
The Crusaders would fight back and get in field goal range. The Panthers ended up blocking it, which sealed the victory.
"It was back and forth and Concordia was such a tough, physical team," Noonan said. "They kept pounding and pounding and making plays and our guys had to respond to the adversity."
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
QB Cam McKeon - "Played his best game at QB for us. Just did his job and made plays when he needed to." - Noonan
Braeden Benys - "He had two huge sacks and 5 tackles for loss, including two on the final defensive stand of the game" - Noonan
Jagger Pagano - "He had 15 tackles and caught the 2-point conversion." - Noonan
Carson Rodgers - "Carson did everything for us on offense. He caught a huge fourth down pass and threw a touchdown as well as being in protection all throughout the night as well."
