Parma Panthers defeat italian champions, Bergamo Lions, 30-26.
A really tough game for the Panthers, who trailed by 19 (26-7) in the second quarter. But Parma never lost confidence and showed a lot of heart.
Rookie receiver Matteo Grigolo set the tone with 2 consecutive receptions, then QB Joe Craddock started his air show, connecting repeatedly with WRs Craig McIntyre, Marco Tunnera and Matteo Grigolo. Panthers offense was almost unstoppable in the final minutes of the second quarter.
Tunnera caught two TD passes from Craddock, while LB Ryan Tully lead the defense, shutting down the Lions. Parma cut down the deficit to 6 points at the half-time.
The second half started in the same way. Craddock threw another TD pass to McIntyre, then Emanuele Gavesi kicked a 30yd field goal that gave to Parma a 30-26 lead.
Bergamo tried to came back, but Panthers defense didn’t allow any score.
Next game, Sunday 22, when Panthers will face Marines Lazio in Parma.
BOX SCORE
| TEAM |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
OT |
T |
| Bergamo Lions |
6 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
| Parma Panthers |
7 |
13 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
SCORING SUMMARY
| 1st Quarter |
| LIO |
TD |
Edmund Hillery, 24 yd run (Ezio Marone kick is blocked) |
| PAN |
TD |
Craig McIntyre, 82 yd kick-off return (Emanuele Gavesi kick is good) |
| 2nd Quarter |
| LIO |
TD |
Marco Podavitte, 13 yd pass from John Bradshaw (2pt conversion fails) |
| LIO |
TD |
James King, 65 yd punt return (Ezio Marone kick is good) |
| LIO |
TD |
Edmund Hillery, 28 yd run (Ezio Marone kick is good) |
| PAN |
TD |
Marco Tunnera, 28 yd pass from Joe Craddock (Emanuele Gavesi kick is good) |
| PAN |
TD |
Marco Tunnera, 13 yd pass from Joe Craddock (Emanuele Gavesi kick is no good) |
| 3rd Quarter |
| PAN |
TD |
Craig McIntyre, 32 yd pass from Joe Craddock (Emanuele Gavesi kick is good) |
| PAN |
FG |
Emanuele Gavesi, 31 yd field goal |
| 4th Quarter |
| None |
|
