The Johnston Panthers 11U football team faced off against the Lincoln Lions last Wednesday in the first round of the Blackstone Valley American Youth Football playoffs. The Panthers’ offense showed off its strong running and passing game once again by putting up 25 points. The defense played tough as it did all year, holding Lincoln to only 13 points. Special teams did its part as well, pinning Lincoln deep in its own territory several times and making key tackles when needed. 

The Panthers’ victory advanced them into the semifinals against undefeated Central Falls. Johnston came out strong against Central Falls, scoring on its opening offensive drive. The Panthers’ defense fought hard all game, but Central Falls’ running game could not be stopped. Johnston’s offense moved the ball, but couldn’t find its rhythm and was unable to make key first downs when needed. As it did all year, Johnston played hard to the end. The Panthers came up short against a tough Central Falls team. Johnston finished off its playoff run by ending its season with an overall record of 7-3. 

The Panthers’ 11U team showed great teamwork all year. The 11U players were: Dante Iafrate, Andrew Picard, Carlos Alfaia, Matthias Barros, Todd DiLullo, Jake Lincourt, Dimetri Iafrate, Joey Acciardo, Antonio Gemma, CJ Ragosta, Eric Luna, Peter Bibby, Connor Kennedy, Michael Vita, Joseph Bastinelli, Isaiah DeBritto, Nicholas Perron, Troy Nicotra, Alex Rhodes, Joseph Domenico, Jayden Breault, Dante Ricci, Dante Fiorio, Jonathon D’Angelo, Gian Souza, Cory Andrade, Ronald Gajdowski, Ryan Schino, Tyler Lariviere, Dylan Silva, Joseph Thomas, Gianni Palumbo, Dario Branch, Joseph Castellone and Phillip Costantini.