Tanners Shine Against Danvers, Going 2-0

On Friday night, the Peabody Tanners defeated Danvers, 21-7, behind a display in the run game. The first quarter saw very little offense, but a strong outlook on defense.

Danvers came into the game only allowing one touchdown after taking down Winthrop last week, 18-8. Peabody, by comparison, . Neither team last night gave up any first quarter points on Peabody's home field, but that was soon to change at the start of the second quarter.

Peabody began to show off its running game with senior Running Back Nat Gaye leading the charge. Under the legs of Gaye, the Tanners drove down the field, and with 8:24 on the clock Gaye ran one in from 15 yards out. Peabody's second quarter didn't end there though. After an interception by Corner Back Casey Grenier, Peabody scored again with just under two minutes to play in the half.

The arm of left-handed Quarterback Jason Hiou gained the Tanners key first downs. His versatility shined through, as he was able to scramble out of the pocket with ease and gain major yardage. The drive ended with another touchdown run by Gaye from the one-yard line. Peabody led at halftime 14-0.

Although Peabody was holding Danvers to a shutout, the Tanners were still letting their opposition's offense get into their own territory. Three out of the four Danvers possessions in the first half ended in Peabody territory.

Gaye and Hiou started Peabody's second half the same way they left off, with good runs leading the Tanners down the field. After seven minutes of the Tanners eating up the clock, Danvers struck with an interception in Peabody's red zone. Although the Falcons didn't take advantage of the interception it looked like the tide was changing.

The fourth quarter started with a fumble by Peabody, which was recovered by Justin Woodbury of Danvers. Danvers made a long drive down the field, and put its first points on the board with a short run by Nick Valles. Danvers had some life as it cut the lead down to 14-7.

Peabody left the door open for Danvers, as the Tanners would have to punt the ball with just under four minutes on the clock. Danvers, showing poise, drove down the field and were in Peabody's red zone again. At that point Peabody showed control and made Danvers turn the ball over on downs on a 4th and 6.

The Tanners gained control of the ball with just over two minutes to go and added another score by Gaye to finish off Danvers for the night. Gaye ran for over 200 yards on the night, with all three Peabody touchdowns.

Peabody is now 2-0 after winning its second straight game to start the season. The Tanners will hit the road for the first time this season against Gloucester on Sept. 30.