HILLSBOROUGH–Orange High School has been quietly going about their business this season-as quietly as a dominant, undefeated powerhouse can be. Or as quietly as a unit that has outscored its opponents 422-85 can possibly be.

But now, here they are. The Orange “Crush” Panthers are on the doorstep of perfection. If they defeat 8-2 Southern Durham Friday night, Head Coach Pat Moser’s boys will have run the gauntlet and completed a perfect regular season of play at 11-0.

***Listen to the interview***

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But Coach Moser says around the locker room, they really haven’t been talking about the shot at an undefeated campaign. They just take it one step at a time.

“There’s really been no talk of it amongst the team. We haven’t brought it up as a staff,” Coach Moser says.

Coach Moser says some of the “old-timers” around the school have reminded him the last time Orange had a run like this back in the 70’s, their one blemish on the schedule came to a familiar opponent, Southern Durham. So you can bet Orange is fully engaged for the battle that lies ahead under the lights Friday night.

“It’s important [to go undefeated]. And we want to do it. But at the same time, Southern Durham is a top-notch state contender, and we’re going to have to play well,” Coach Moser says.

Last week’s opponent for the Panthers, Cardinal Gibbons, reminds Coach Moser a lot of Southern Durham, and the explosive offensive challenge his team will face. Coach Moser says he will be hoping for a similar defensive solution to cap off the regular season. The score was tied at 28 last week before some halftime adjustments inspired Orange to deliver a second half shutout, leaving no do doubt of their dominance.

“They’re very similar to Cardinal Gibbons. The only difference really is they have quarterbacks that can move and scramble. They both can deliver the ball deep. Their offenses are explosive and can score quickly. They got big play capability,” Coach Moser says.

Everyone can follow along as Orange aims for the undefeated season on Friday night starting at 6 p.m. with The Grid with Matt & Matt pregame show on 97. 9 FM WCHL followed by live streaming of the big game on Chapelboro.com.

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