Panthers lose on the road

RANGELY I The game was close and the lead changed each quarter but at the end of the fourth, the West Grand Mustangs defended their home field, earning a 42-35 victory over the Rangely Panthers.
“There were lots of momentum shifts back and forth,” head coach Paul Fortunato said.
The Panthers led 7-6 at the end of the first quarter after Chas Byerly ran for a three yard touchdown and Ryan Wilczek made the extra point but the Mustangs took a 14-13 lead after both teams scored in the second quarter but only West Grand converted on the extra points. Tobie Gasper scored on a 55 yard run but Wilczek’s extra point attempt was blocked.
Rangely took the lead back in the third quarter when Gasper scored on a two yard run and Byerly added a two point conversion, then Byerly scored on the next possession on a two yard run. Gasper connected with Cameron Enterline for the two point conversion and Rangely led 29-28 going into the final quarter.
Gasper connected again with Enterline, this time for a 47 yard touchdown but it would be the final points the Panthers would score and they allowed the Mustangs two score two more touchdowns to get the win.
“The guys played well, we just need to make better decisions at times and keep getting better,” Fortunato said. “I’m proud of them.”
Fortunato mention the outstanding play of Gasper, who rushed for 103 yards and passed for 191 and classmate Colton Coombs, who had “an incredible defensive game” recording 23 tackles, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Panthers host Hayden Friday with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
“This week will be a big test, as Hayden is ranked No. 5 in the state,” Fortunato said of the upcoming game on Yaeger Field.