PANTHER FROSH WRAPS UP SEASON WITH WIN
By Marc Atwood
marcatwood@aol.com
 
(11/1/07 Chico, CA) The Chico freshman football team finished its 2007 season by taking a 28-6 decision over Shasta Thursday on the Panthers' home field.
 
Chico scored first when Jamiel Hardman ran 46 yards for a touchdown with 7:52 remaining in the first quarter. Jason Weinrich kicked the extra point to put the Panthers ahead 7-0. The Wolves started their first drive of the game at their 5-yard line after Michael Vestal fumbled the kickoff return, which he would recover for a loss. Vincent Sanchez helped Shasta get a first down with a seven-yard gain to reach their 32-yard line. The drive ended on the next play as Hardman recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Weinrich added the extra point as Chico went up 14-0.
 
Early in the second quarter, Bryson Schreder's eight-yard gain on fourth and 1 gave the Wolves a first down at the Panthers' 46-yard line. They would get their only score of the game two plays later when Devin Short caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from Schreder. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, so Shasta's deficit stood at eight points.
 
Chico started its next drive when Ger Lee brought the ensuing kickoff to their 35-yard line. The Panthers were set to punt on fourth and 5, but Lee faked his attempt and proceeded to gain 18 yards to reach the Wolves' 47-yard line. They would reach the 11-yard line, but didn't go any further as Sanchez intercepted Sterling Smith's pass with a few seconds left in the first half.
 
Shasta started the second half with a 15-yard gain by Schreder for a first down at their 40-yard line. Brock Callaway's 13-yard gain earned the Wolves another first down at the Chico 37-yard line. On fourth and 5, Callaway threw an incomplete pass, allowing the Panthers to take over on downs.
 
Brett Loughlin's nine-yard gain on Chico's next drive earned them a first down on their 45-yard line. Later, Hardman brought the Panthers into striking distance with a 25-yard gain to reach the Shasta 18-yard line. On the next play, Chase Vandermate made his way to the end zone. Weinrich's extra point put Chico up 21-6.
 
An eight-yard catch by Short with about a minute left in the third quarter earned the Wolves a first down at their 41-yard line. Shasta opened the fourth quarter facing a third and 5 situation, however, Callaway's nine-yard gain earned them a first down at the Panthers' 45-yard line. They were sent back four yards on third and 6 when Callaway was sacked. The Panthers regained possession after another quarterback sack on the next play.
 
Loughlin's 37-yard gain brought Chico to the Wolves' 20-yard line. Hardman added 16 yards on the next play to set up first and goal for the Panthers. Loughlin finished up the quick drive with a four-yard touchdown. The extra point from Weinrich gave Chico a 28-6 lead.