Dwyer methodical in 25-3 victory over Oakland Park-Northeast

Friday, November 16, 2012
by Rick Ingebritson

Dwyer used a superlative defensive effort to advance to the regional semifinals with a 25-3 victory over Oakland Park-Northeast.

The Panthers forced three turnovers, notched a safety and a touchdown, and limited the host Hurricanes to 48 total yards. They were also able to limit Stacy Coley, the No. 3-rated wide receiver in the country by ESPN, to zero catches.

Sophomore Daniel Parr started at quarterback after a commendable relief effort last week against American Heritage and completed 11 of 24 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a touchdown and looked calm throughout the game while avoiding pressure.

The game started on a bad note for Dwyer (9-2), which mishandled the opening kickoff. The Hurricanes (9-2) recovered on the Panthers' 7. But the defense held and Northeast settled for Willy Rivera's 25 yard field goal.

Neither team could generate much offense in the first half; the teams combined for eight first downs. After a 19-yard punt, Dwyer got the ball back on the Northeast 34 with 1:16 left in the half. The half ended with the field goal unit rushing onto the field and Peyton Shapiro got off his 30-yard field goal just before the clock hit zero to tie the game.

Dwyer opened the second half by intercepting a Bryon Sanchious pass at the Northeast 30. Nine plays later Parr snuck in from the 1 to give Dwyer a 10-3 lead. Parr was very productive in the third quarter, despite the rain. Late in the quarter, Dwyer forced a fumble and got the ball back on the Northeast 25. Four plays later Parr connected with Ezra Saffold for a 23 yard touchdown and a 16-3 lead.

Dwyer scored a safety on a bad snap early in the fourth quarter and Jarrad Ward recovered another bad snap in the end zone late in the quarter to complete the scoring.