See It In Pictures: Point Pleasant Boro Levels Manchester

Point Pleasant Boro rolled into Manchester on a mission Friday night. The Panthers rolled out of the Hawks’ stadium with that mission -- a victory -- accomplished.

Jack Fitzsimmons rushed for two touchdowns and passed for two more, and Devin Connelly returned a punt 65 yards for another score as the Panthers (3-1, 3-0) took control of the Shore Conference Class B South football race.

The Panthers, who are coming off a one-win season in 2013, simply overpowered the Hawks (1-3, 1-3). Point Boro also was very opportunistic, turning three of Manchester’s four fumbles into scores.

Point Boro took a 7-0 lead with 3:17 to go in the first quarter after marching the ball 78 yards on the ground, with Fitzsimmons going in from a yard out for the score. He went in from a yard out late in the third quarter after the Hawks handed Point Boro a very short field thanks to a fumble for the Panthers’ final touchdown.

But he also showed he could burn a team that isn’t paying attention, connecting with Hayden Frey for a 25-yard score that made it 14-0 with a minute to go in the first quarter. He later hit Mike Larson in the left side of the end zone for a 15-yard score.

If their front line can continue to outmuscle its opponents, the Panthers could wrap up the title, a fitting comeback after last year.

Next Saturday, the Panthers host Central Regional at 2:30 p.m.

See photos from the game on the Point Pleasant Patch’s Facebook page, by clicking here.

(PHOTO: Point Boro’s Devin Connelly takes off after fielding a punt. He returned it for a 65-yard touchdown Friday night. Credit: Karen Wall)