The Panthers continued the good play

this season as they recorded their first road win over the

weekend.

The Panthers put it all together and

had everything clicking for the first time since the season opening

win against Grand Valley. The Panthers are 4-0 and looking better

than ever now that they have found their offensive groove.

Eastern impressed over the weekend as

it beat up on its in-state rival, Illinois, by a score of 91-7. It

was the first time the Panthers have scored more than 50 points in

a game this season, and they reached that milestone at halftime as

they led 55-0 at the break.

The scoring outburst was nice to see

since consistency and timing has been the major problems that have

plagued the Panthers this season. Eastern executed its set pieces

to a tee as it scored the majority of its points off designed

plays. The 91 points was the most points the Panthers have scored

since they tallied 96 points against the Illini in last years

match-up.

Head coach Frank Graziano has preached

the importance of timing and consistency, and after four games it

appears that the Panthers are putting everything together. The

Panthers had been in a scoring funk, but still managed to come out

on top in every game so far this season.

The Panthers are a young team and as

they near the halfway point of the season the underclassmen are

improving and understanding the general rugby play. Although the

timing is not perfect, the Panthers are improving on a week-to-week

basis and steady progress is the key to a successful season.

Although the Panthers have had

substantial success against the Illini and seemingly blow them out

every time they step on the field, I expect the offensive outburst

to continue for the Panthers.

I would like to think that Eastern has

turned the corner and those 20 point offensive performances are a

thing of the past. The Panthers remaining opponents have never

beaten them, and I don’t see that trend changing this season.

The Panthers will face University of

Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Quinnipiac, Northern Iowa, Iowa State and

Purdue to round out their season. None of those teams have held the

Panthers under 30 points in any contest. The Panthers are finding

their groove and a high scoring end to the season looks probable.

If the Panthers can continue to improve and put up points on the

scoreboard, a perfect season is falling in line.

Jordan Pottorff can be reached at

“mailto:%20jbpottorff@eiu.edu.”>jbpottorff@eiu.edu