Panthers Win Finale Over Dominion

By Matt Tobin

Saturday, November 10, 2007

The Potomac Falls seniors were able to taste victory in their final game for the Panthers, thanks to junior running back Michael Baker.

Baker rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns to help Potomac Falls hold off Dominion, 27-24, in the season finale for both teams.

"The seniors left here with their heads up, playing their last game ever, and they'll always be a part of the Potomac Falls football program," Panthers Coach Scott Woodlief said.

Baker's touchdowns came in the second quarter as Potomac Falls (4-6, 3-4 AA Dulles) ran out to a 21-10 halftime lead.

"He ran the ball well today," Woodlief said. "Michael will be back next year and we're expecting some better things out of him."

With a cold and rainy night forcasted, Woodlief came into the game focusing on a ground attack.

"We thought we could run the football against them," he said. "It being rainy and wet, we put a little more emphasis on the running game. We worked a little more on it this week and it showed tonight. I think that's what won the game."

While Potomac Falls had its ground game working, Dominion freshman Deandre Reaves, who entered the game with more than 1,200 rushing yards, was held to a season-low 12 yards on 16 carries.

The Panthers got a one-yard touchdown run and a 39-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Gregory Woodlief. The pass was underthrown, but wide receiver Tarrell Owens slowed his stride to make the catch and run the ball in with a defender in his face. It proved to be the winning score and gave Potomac Falls a 27-10 lead early in the fourth quarter.

The lead looked as though it was more than enough to ensure a win, but Dominion (2-8, 1-6) answered quickly with a two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Geoff McCowat. A failed two-point conversion left the score 27-16 with 7 minutes 43 seconds left in the game.

The Titans then stopped the Panthers ensuing drive and got the ball back on their 10-yard line. Four plays later McCowat hit running back Henry Lobo with a short pass to the sideline. It turned into an 82-yard touchdown pass play that put Dominion within three points after a two-point conversion.

McCowat finished the game 10 of 20 with 227 passing yards.

A failed onside kick with less than two minutes left, though, put the game out of reach for the Titans.

The win may not have gotten the Panthers in the playoffs, but to coach Woodlief, it helped solidify his philosophy for the season.

"We evaluate our season on getting better every week and our kids did that," he said.

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks