The CCHS Panthers took to their butt kicking show on the road Friday night as they took on the Braxton County Eagles.
It has been a while since the Panthers have notched a win against the Eagles, and this night would be as good as any to break this streak. This matchup is always an anticipated game as there is no love lost between the two teams, and that sentiment lingers on through the generations. This game would also prove to be one of those games that certain calls left people scratching their heads and saying what the …? One such occurrence was a real frog strangler – after the ball was placed, the sticks were brought out to check for a first down, then the ball moved to accommodate a first down for the Eagles. A questionable defensive pass interference call against the Panthers gave the Eagles a way closer look at the goal line and eventually a score on the board. Some mistakes by the Panthers led to some scoring opportunities for the Eagles, and the Panthers also had opportunities to score but the Eagles held.
The defense of the Panthers was nothing short of great. Yeah, maybe a few mistakes, but the Panther defense was the first to score on a safety. On offense, the Panthers are as quick as a Rhonda Rousey left hook. Joel Cruikshanks is one of those runners that uses a tackler like a back pack. They have to be all in to bring him down. The Eagle defense was left with nothing but exhaust fumes in their faces when Panther runners got open. Luke Burnette went out with a knee injury, but hopefully, he will be back.
The next few games will be some of the toughest they will face. They will have a bye this week and will be back in action at home against Valley on September 14. The momentum of the Panthers is all in, and if they get two more wins under their belt before going into the four toughest games they play starting with Independence, they stand a chance for a great season. When it was over, it was the Panthers on top owning the Eagle real estate. The final score of 29-18. The Panthers are in full sail, but the storms are coming. Let’s get out and support the team. Go Panthers!
