By Jack Minchew

The Tuscarora High School football team defeated the Potomac Falls Panthers (4-3) 46-28 on Friday, Oct. 18, to remain undefeated in four years of homecoming games. This win gives Tuscarora a 7-1 record, as well as a 4-0 home record.  Tuscarora is 1-1 in the Potomac district and is ranked #2 in the 5A North Conference.

Tuscarora struck early in the first quarter, capitalizing off a Potomac Falls interception with a 45 yard touchdown run from standout junior running back Noah Reimers. The Huskies scored again late in the 1st quarter off a 40 yard run from senior Mali Barker, followed by a successful 2-point conversion on a pass to Barker.

The Panthers responded, however, scoring 2 touchdowns to close the deficit to 1 point midway through the 2nd quarter. Barker was not finished though, scoring another touchdown to give Tuscarora the lead going into halftime, a lead which Tuscarora never relinquished.

The win was clearly emotional for some of the Husky seniors. “It was really fun winning all four years,” said senior Noah Mettenheimer.

Team kicker and senior Chris Miller added, “It was great to see everyone come out to support us and cheer for us. Our coaches always tell us they remember their homecoming games, and I hope that we will too.”

The win over Potomac Falls came just 4 days after the Huskies received their first and only defeat of the season, losing to Loudoun County powerhouse Broad Run 17-21.

Tuscarora had a bye this last week, giving the team a chance to recover from some of the bruises of the past eight weeks of non-stop football. The Huskies will then face the Eagles of Freedom High School (1-6) at home before heading into a season finale matchup against the 3-time defending state champion Briar Woods (8-1) at Briar Woods.