The Pioneer Valley football team produced a school-record 10 touchdowns - eight on offense and two on defense - en route to Saturday night's dominating 67-14 home victory over Golden Valley.

"It was just one of those nights where the offense clicked and we had some big plays on defense," said Pioneer Valley coach Greg Dickinson. "Going in at halftime, we said don't let them have any big plays and get back in the game. In return, we had that first drive in the second half and put them away. Then all of a sudden the defense came and made two big plays."

The Panthers (4-0) poured it on early and often, building a 26-point halftime lead that ballooned to 54-6 by the end of the third quarter.

"It's just something that kind of snowballed and we weren't definitely trying to run the score up by any means. Everybody played and everybody played starting midway through the third quarter," said Dickinson. "So happy for the kids. We're progressing. We're getting better every week. Our whole goal is to get ready for next year and we're getting ready."

Running back Buddy Garcia (7 carries for 180 yards, 2 TDs) had touchdown explosions of 55 and 90 yards, while quarterback Bryan Beyers (7/11 for 92 yards, 2 TDs) threw a pair of touchdowns and ran in a third.

"The main goal every week is to get better from the previous week," said Garcia. "Everything went smooth. The line did a beautiful job. I give a lot of credit to the line again. The line just had a beautiful surge. They gave me the holes. All I had to do was run straight."

The Pioneer Valley line also opened holes for other backs to get rushing touchdowns such as Steven Cox (13 carries for 75 yards, TD), Andrew Gonzales and Frank Tovar.

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"That's been our motto all year - every game come out and have our efforts exceed our abilities, and tonight they did that," said Dickinson.

On the defensive side, Daniel Segoviano had a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown and Gonzales added a 35-yard fumble recovery for a score when he ripped the pigskin from a Golden Valley ball-carrier.

"Every time we go out on the field it's a team effort," said Garcia, who ran under Pioneer Valley High's new lights for the first time this season. "It was special. It was a good feeling, opening up a new house. The fans were really in it. We're trying to get the community in it."

The Grizzlies (0-3) were never in it, but did get solid output from receiver Martel Hammond - who made 10 grabs for 121 yards - and quarterback Justin White - who completed 21 of 35 pass attempts for 210 yards.

The biggest test of the season comes next week for Pioneer Valley as the Panthers head to Templeton for their first road game of the season against an established program.

"Last year they won nine games and right now they're undefeated," said Dickinson of Templeton. "Next week is going to be a big test. They're big, strong, fast and physical. Our goal is if we can get better every week, we're going to be happy."

Garcia and the rest of the Panthers can only hope that their early successes can carry over to the challenge that lies ahead.

"Coach tells us a lot - since we don't have any seniors, we have to have leaders. It's not just any one person. The whole team has to be leaders," said Garcia. "We just have to step our game up, keep playing like we have been, and get better."

The Panthers got better and better as the game wore on, which was unfortunate for Golden Valley. After scoring two touchdowns in each of the first two quarters, Pioneer Valley exploded for a 28-point third quarter. With their bench emptied and the starters on the sideline, the hosts still scored two more touchdowns in the final quarter.

Sept. 25, 2005