The Panthers were able to control both sides of the ball by moving the ball with strong running performances by seventh-grader Zane Varner and eighth-grader Anthony Lujan. Lujan continued his strong performance in the 2016 season by rushing for three more touchdowns on runs of 55 yards, 62 yards and 47 yards. Lujan had his longest run of the game of 78 yards called back on a holding call. Lujan also threw for one touchdown when he found a wide open Gabe Polley by the goal line on the Panthers second offensive possession.
Varner was able to pick up his first rushing touchdown of his career when he propelled himself into the end zone giving the Panthers a two score lead in the first quarter that kept the Panthers in front for the rest of the game.
On defense the Panthers were able to shut down the running game of the Rams and keep their offense at bay. The Panthers consistently found themselves in the backfield of Soroco throughout the game which helped the defense control their side of the game. Eighth grade outside linebacker Gabe Polley led the defense in tackles. Five of them were tackles for loss in the game. Austin Davis also intercepted a pass early in the second quarter to gain a change of possession for the Panthers. Seventh grade nose tackle Brent Cantrell also recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter that allowed the Panthers to score immediately on the following offensive possession.
The Panthers will take on the Hayden Tigers in Hayden on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
