Hotchkiss pins 44-6 loss on Panthers Friday night

RANGELY I For the second time in three games, the Panthers won the second half.
It’s the first half that’s the killer.
“We’re pretty good at winning the second half,” coach Tim Galloway said. “We just can’t put the whole thing together.”
Rangely outscored Hotchkiss 6-2 in the second half last Friday. The Panthers also “won” the second half two weeks ago against Coal Ridge 8-7.
The first half, however, has been a different story this season.
Last Friday at Hotchkiss — it was the Bulldogs’ homecoming — the home team led 42-0 at halftime and ended up winning the league opener 44-6.
“They’re loaded,” Galloway said of the 4-1 Bulldogs. “They’re an outstanding team. They do what they do and they do it very well. They don’t take a play off. I’m sure they are the best team in our classification on this side of the mountain.”
Running back/linebacker Cole Barlow scored Rangely’s only touchdown against Hotchkiss — a 51-yard run in the third quarter.
“He had another outstanding game,” Galloway said of the senior co-captain. “He’s been consistent for us all year long, both offensively and defensively. He did a great job for us (against Hotchkiss) and has all year.”
Rangely will play in its second homecoming game in a row Friday when the Panthers travel to Hayden, 2-3. Rangely will host its own homecoming game the following week, Oct. 15, against county rival Meeker.
The Panthers, 0-5, are 0-1 in Western Slope League play.
“We’re still hanging in there,” Galloway said. “We’re starting to play schools our size. So there are no more excuses. It’s time to put up or shut up. It’s time to get ’er done, if we’re going to get ’er done.”