RANGELY I With a dominating 69-14 win over the Plateau Valley Cowboys on Yeager Field last Friday, the Panthers are now 4-0 and will travel to play last year’s state runner-up, the Caliche Buffaloes on Friday in Iliff.
The Panther’s explosive offense scored 26 points in the first quarter, 31 in the second and 12 in the second half, while only allowing the Cowboys 14 points in the first half.
“Offensively and defensively, the guys showed up and took care of business Friday,” head coach Paul Fortunato said about his team’s play against Plateau Valley.
The Panthers ran the ball for 346 yards, compared to the Cowboys’ 18 rushing yards in the game.
Senior Ethan Allred carried the ball 16 times for 109 yards, three touchdowns and he scored four, two-point conversions to lead the Panthers. Allred also caught a pass from quarterback Kaulan Brady for another touchdown.
Nych Deleon rushed eight times for 71 yards and three touchdowns and Kiki Ruiz carried the ball 11 times for 76 yards, two touchdowns and two extra point conversions. Brady also threw a touchdown pass to Jimmie Sherman and Brady also kicked three extra points to round out the scoring.
Troy Allred led the Panthers on the defensive side with eight tackles, including one for a loss.
Every player on the Panther’s roster was in on at least one tackle. Colt Allred, Ethan Allred, Nakoma Bailey and Chance Sheppard also recorded tackles for losses. The Panther defense gave up less than 100 total yards.
The Panthers will now prepare for Caliche, who made it to the championship game last year and is currently ranked No. 1 by Maxpreps.com.
“Caliche was the state runner-up last year and is starting off their season like they intend on going back,” Coach Fortunato said. “This should be a great test for us.”