In a remarkable achievement, the Parkdale Football team broke a streak dating back to 2007 by clinching three consecutive victories. During this impressive run, the team displayed formidable defensive skills, conceding a mere 16 points across all games, while consistently scoring over 30 points in each match, amassing a total of 142 points during their winning streak.
The streak commenced with a commanding home victory against the Northwestern Wildcats. Right from the first quarter, Parkdale dominated the game, securing a 20-0 lead. The Panthers’ defense proved unyielding, forcing turnovers and creating offensive opportunities. This momentum carried through the game, culminating in a resounding 52-0 win. This triumph not only marked the team’s first victory of the season but also ignited their winning streak.
In the subsequent game against the High Point Eagles in Beltsville, Parkdale continued their winning momentum. The Panthers’ strategy was clear: focus on defense, defense, and more defense. Their defensive unit showcased remarkable consistency, causing turnovers and allowing the offense to shine. By halftime, Parkdale had surged ahead 34-0, with key players like Jacob Wilson and Aimar Canales contributing significantly, each scoring two touchdowns. The trend persisted into the second half, with Parkdale adding 20 more points, concluding the game with an impressive 54-0 victory.
The pressure escalated in the following game as Parkdale faced Laurel, their opponents for the homecoming match. Despite the heightened expectations, the Panthers delivered. Senior Erik Hemby swiftly scored two receiving touchdowns, bolstered by the defense’s two critical stops, establishing a 16-0 lead . As the game went on Hemby seemed to only get better as he finished the game with 4 receiving touchdowns, including a 90 yard receiving touchdown which is the longest touchdown of the year for the team. Hemby was a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball aswell, racking up tackle after tackle from his outside linebacker position. The Panthers were able to go into halftime with a comfortable 22-6 lead before coming into the second half and putting up 14 more points in route to an 36-14 win to spoil Laurel’s homecoming.
According to team captains junior Jacob Wilson and senior Jason Morse, the change in the team started in practice as both stated that the team was “Locked in” in practice throughout the weeks. Morse added that he had to “set the tone by stepping up and being a good team leader”.
When asked about being on the team that was able to win 3 games in a row for the first time in 16 years, Wilson stated that “It felt great to go on that 3 game win streak although I really wanted it to be 4”. Morse added “It feels really good to accomplish something that hasn’t been done in 16 seasons. It’s great to be apart of something like that especially after the rough start to the season.
This triumphant streak not only showcased Parkdale’s defensive prowess and offensive efficiency but also marked a significant turning point for the team, breaking a long-standing pattern of challenges and paving the way for a promising future.
