As the clock struck 0:00 at B-CC last Friday night, Panther fans breathed a sigh of relief after a game that the Panthers should’ve had in the bag from the start became a lot closer than many expected. Nonetheless, the Panthers are 2-0 for the first time since the 2004 season.  After taking care of the Montgomery Blair Blazers 41-14 and the aforementioned B-CC Barons 43-28, the Panthers are set up for one of the best games this year against the defending 4A State Champion Sherwood Warriors. 

            This is such a pivotal game for the Panthers, not only because they haven’t beaten Sherwood since 2004, but also because it is their first year in the 4A East. An early win against a team that has dominated this division could translate into a playoff berth, which would be the Panthers first since 2001.

            Senior Ivan Tagoe has caught four touchdown passes in two games as this Paint Branch offense has exploded on both of the defenses that it has faced.  However, depth on defense has been a problem for the Panthers.  After the win against B-CC, Tagoe stated, “We just have to get better and work harder in practice,” after the Blazers put up two easy touchdowns against the Panthers’ second-team defense and the Barons scored 29 points against the Panthers’ first team.  With junior safety Earvin Anumbga returning for the Week 3 matchup against the high-powered Warriors, the team should see a dramatic increase in the defense with his experience and athleticism.

            Defense has definitely been an area of concern for this team and, with the defending state champions paying a visit to Paint Branch on Thursday, an excellent battle is shaping up between these ne 4A rivals.