The odd off-season finally kicked off in Mart Friday night and the Panthers picked up where they left off with a season opening win over the Teague Lions 34- 7
The three-time defending state champion opened the season with Roddrell Freeman putting on a show trying to go for their fourth consecutive title.
The Panther defense put the offense in good field position when De’Traevion Medlock intercepted a pass. The running of Freeman and others moved the ball into scoring position and Klyderion Campbell scored on a 14-yard run to open the scoring. Freeman scored on their second possession on a 27-yard burst to extend the lead to 14- 0 with 3:38 remaining in the opening quarter.
The final score of the first quarter came on a one-play drive. Keishawn Clater took the jet sweep and found the sideline and raced to a 59-yard touchdown run and the Panthers pulled out to a 21-0 lead.
Freeman got the call early in the second quarter with a 22-yard run to build the lead 27-0. The Panthers took advantage of three turnovers to get to the big lead.
The Lions managed to cut into the lead in the second half on a Nemier Herod two-yard run to slice the Panther lead to 27-7. Herod finished the night with 140 rushing yards.
Freeman added a second half touchdown to set the scoring and begin the early season at 1- 0. The Teague Lions return to host their home opener Friday night against the Lago Vista Vikings.
