Three weeks ago, Orange coach Pat Moser’s plan for star linebacker Bryse Wilson was simple.

During his first three years on the varsity level, Wilson has played six different positions. For Wilson’s senior year, Moser wanted to start him slowly. Keep him at his customary linebacker position only for the first few games. Then, gradually, Wilson could start to barnstorm to other positions, basically becoming the gridiron version of Pete Rose or Jose Oquendo in the 1980s.

That plan lasted two weeks.

In the Panthers’ 20-13 win over Northern on August 25th, starting quarterback Jackson Schmid suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, which will keep him out of the lineup at least 2-3 weeks. Wilson was the only player on the roster with varsity experience behind center, even if it was 2 years ago. With the first road trip of the season looming, Moser’s hand was forced.

So it was inevitable that Orange would have to work out the kinks offensively against Riverside on Friday night, but the defense held up long enough until the offense could find it’s footing. Naturally, Wilson had a big role in that aspect, as well.

Eryk Brandon-Dean rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, including a 42-yard touchdown pass from Wilson in the second quarter, as the Panthers defeated Riverside 34-0 on Friday night at Lenny Wrenn Stadium. Orange, now 3-0, has won 12 consecutive regular season nonconference games dating back to 2012.

Wilson and backup Ryan Puckett both scored touchdowns on quarterback sneaks. Drew Lemaster added an 8-yard run to open the second half scoring.

“Bryse is a great athlete and can play any position,” said Moser after Orange’s 3rd straight win over Riverside. “But he hasn’t played quarterback in two years. He hasn’t worked at the quarterback position, but we knew he was our next best thing.”

Riverside, shut out for the second consecutive week, had plenty of chances early. 19 of the 23 plays run in the first quarter were in Panthers territory. While the Pirates held Orange without a first down in the opening stanza, they failed to score despite crossing the 50-yard line twice and starting one drive in Orange real estate.

Once Orange’s Marvante Beasley recovered a fumble early in the 2nd quarter at the Riverside 29-yard line, the Pirates luck had run out. Beasley’s fumble would lead to Puckett sneaking into the end zone to give Orange a 6-0 lead with 6:36 remaining in the first half.

It appeared that would be the score going into halftime when Orange lined up to punt with 1:06 remaining. However, Riverside was called for too many men on the field, leading to a Panther first down. On the very next play, Wilson threw to Brandon-Dean for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Wilson added a 2-point conversion pass to Cody Evans.

Brandon-Dean started the second half by returning the kickoff 63 yards. That led to Lemaster capping a 5-play, 36-yard drive with a nine-yard touchdown run. Sam Evans extra point padded the Orange lead to 21-0.

Orange faces Burlington Cummings next Friday at Auman Stadium. Riverside will host Cedar Ridge, who defeated East Chapel Hill on Thursday night.

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