With a convincing lead at the mid-way point of Friday's game between Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria, Panthers head coach Greg Dickinson moved from his typical crows-nest coaching position onto the sidelines.

Throughout the second half, Dickinson was on the field shouting and cheering on many of his players that, like himself, don't typically find much time on the playing field.

Nearly every player on the Panthers squad played a part in the 59-7 homecoming victory over the visiting Saints in a Los Padres League Match at Panther Stadium.

Forty-five first half points ensured that the Panthers (4-1, 7-1) could rest many of their sore players after last week's epic against St. Joseph.

"We just wanted to make sure nobody got hurt," Dickinson said. "We had some guys banged up from last week and anytime you can come out in the second half and get some guys playing time is a good thing."

The Panthers received touchdowns from six different players, including two huge interception run-backs from senior Sergio Salazar, who solidified a strong outing from the Panther defense.

A convoy of Panthers guided Salazar 55-yards to the endzone for a score in the second quarter. He later bested himself in the third quarter, bolting for a 65-yard touchdown after intercepting a Chris Valdez pass.

"They came out with a couple variations and our defense adjusted and that's what we're going to need going down the stretch," Dickinson said.

On the offensive side, starting quarterback Nick Rucobo completed zero passes, but had scores of 31 and 20-yards on back-to-back series in the first quarter to lead the Panthers' quick start.

Dan Ando, Shawn Tucker, Dakotah Wilber, and Oscar Mendoza each had a running touchdown for the Panthers.

"The whole plan was to take care of business in the first quarter and we did that," Dickinson said.

Despite throwing four picks, Saints quarterback Chris Valdez had an effective night through the air - finding Daniel De La Cruz for three completions, which amounted to 48 of his 101-passing yards.

It was tough sledding for the Saints on the ground. Of the several backs that they threw at the Panthers, Matt Castillo was most effective. On eight carries, the senior ran for 30-yards to lead the team in rushing. Joel Enriquez carried the ball 12 times for 21-yards as the Saints move to 2-6 overall and 0-5 in league.

The Saints put up their seven points in the third quarter when Gabriel Martin recovered a Panthers' fumble in the endzone.

"We got some points on the board, but we're banged up and we need to get healthy for next week," Santa Maria head coach Mike Regan said.

The Saints look to pick up their first league win of the season when they host the Titans of Nipomo next Friday in Santa Maria's homecoming game. The Panthers will continue their impressive season next week when they visit the Eagles in Templeton.