Sports
New Lexington Defensive Dominance
< < Back to new-lexington-defensive-dominanceMVL Spotlight: The New Lexington Panthers have already doubled last season’s win total with their 5-1 start, due in large part to the impressive play of their defense. Through the first five games alone, the Panthers have only allowed an astounding 10.4 points per game and 143.8 yards per game.
New Lex has held teams to less than 100 yards of offense twice this season, including a mind-boggling 4 yards in a 60-6 victory over Morgan. That performance came just one week after the Panthers suffered their lone loss of the season at the hands of the Maysville Panthers, who racked up 299 yards and 20 points. Head Coach Bill Nutt praised his squad for that performance despite allowing season highs for points and yards.
“Our defense played fantastic,” said Nutt. “We just gave them too many opportunities, and you can only play so well for so long.”
Those opportunities were provided by multiple fumbles and penalties on the offensive side of the ball for New Lex. But Nutt said the loss is what motivated his team to hold the Morgan Raiders to only 4 yards on 35 rush attempts, along with zero passing yards, 6 turnovers, and zero points. (The lone touchdown came from a punt return late in the fourth quarter.)
“Losing to Maysville re-lit our fire,” said Nutt.
When that fire is lit, the Panthers can stand up to anyone.