NOVEMBER 15, 2015
BY MARK J. CZERWINSKI
STAFF WRITER | THE RECORD
P
GLEN ROCK — Junior quarterback Matt Schlett and senior lineman Matt Lange had never won a playoff game before.
So Saturday was a whole new experience for top-seeded Glen Rock as the Panthers rolled past No.8 Kittatinny, 42-14, in the North 1, Group 2 playoff opener at Alan Deaett Field. And judging by the smiles on their faces, it was worth the wait.
“It was rough never winning a playoff game before,” Lange said. “But this made us feel a lot better.”
And why not? It was the Panthers’ first postseason win since 2011, setting up this weekend’s semifinal matchup against long-time rival Hawthorne.
It was a convincing win worthy of a top seed. The Panthers (7-2) kept their mistakes to a bare minimum on both sides of the ball, and were in complete control right from the outset.
Schlett was the catalyst, carrying 14 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns and throwing for 111 yards and two more as the Panthers opened a 35-7 halftime lead. The first-team offense had the ball six times and scored each time, including a one-yard run by Schlett as time expired in the first half.
“We love Matt,” said Glen Rock coach Jim Kurz. “We love what he brings to the table. He’s our leader, and he’s done a nice job all season.”
Schlett, in his first season as a starter, has thrown for 1,185 yards and 11 touchdowns in nine games. He’s had two touchdown passes in each of his last four games.
Schlett also has rushed for 619 yards and scored a team-high 19 touchdowns.
