Bad loss for the Panthers versus the Milano Rhinos.

Parma, April 25, 2009 – A big but deserved loss for the Panthers who stumbled 20 – 14 against the Milan Rhinos, dropping to the third spot in the IFL behind the Bolzano Giants and Lazio Marines. Papoccia’s team fell behind early also against the Lions and the Marines, but against Milan there was no reaction from the team and there would be no comeback as they committed many fundamental errors including many errant snaps to QB Joe Craddock.

The Panthers have been plagued all year by slow start and this game was no different. The offense couldn’t convert on the first possession of the game and once Milan took the ball, runningback Jason Butler was soon in the endzone. However the black and silver managed to block the ensuing extra point making it 6-0. The Panthers looked to come back going to the regular Craddock – McIntyre combination, as McIntyre was back after a week in which he sat out with a pulled hamstring. Also present was receiver Emanuele Polenghi who proved himself last week against the French in Craig’s absence. The Rhinos defense proved to be a challenge as they took away the Panthers go-to weapons and the others struggled to step-up.

In the second quarter another TD scored by RB Jason Butler and the PAT kicked by Alberto Scirè Scapuzzo put the Rhinos ahead 13 to 0.

Parma finally went on the board with less than 3 minutes left before the halftime, when WR Alessandro Fontanella caught a pass in the endzone, cutting the deficit to 13-6. Emergency kicker Joe Craddock missed the extrapoint, leaving the Panthers 7 points behind.

The second half started with a great drive for the Rhinos, resulting in the 3rd TD of the day for RB Jason Butler. On the next drive, the Panthers stalled in the red zone: on a 4th&4 from the 19 yard line, Parma went for it, turning over on downs with an incomplete pass.

On the next play, Jason Butler broke free for a 61yd TD run, that came back due to a holding call.
Panthers defense finally stepped up and recorded its first turn-over of the day with an interception by Luca Scurria.
Despite a back-to-back turn-over (INT thrown by QB Joe Craddock), the defense forced a 3&out and gave the ball back to Parma.
This time Joe Craddock was almost perfect and connected with WR Craig McIntyre for the 12-20.
The ensuing 2 points conversion succeeded with a run of Ryan Tully, making it a 6 points ball game.

Milano decided to go through the ground, trying to eat the clock, but the defense somehow found a way to stop the Rhinos and Parma had the ball back with less than 2 minutes left.

The Panthers marched down the field to the 12 yard line, but on a 3rd&7 another bad snap pushed the offense back 15 yd.
With a 4th down and 22 yard to go, Joe Craddock tried to connect with WR Alessandro Fontanella, but the pass was incomplete, virtually ending the game.
The Rhinos just took a kneel, sealing the victory.

With this loss, the Panthers fell to 5-2, dropping to the third spot of the IFL League, behind Bolzano Giants and Lazio Marines.

Next game will be on May 10 in Catania, when the Panthers will face the Elephants. Kick-off at 1:00pm CET.