The Alba-Golden Panthers improved to 4-0 on the season with a 30-13 win over the Big Sandy Wildcats last Thursday. The Panthers dominated the first three quarters and frustrated the hosting Wildcats at every juncture. The Panthers were quicker with their first steps, more physical and played through to the whistle.  

The tempo of the game was set on Big Sandy’s first play from scrimmage. Alba-Golden cornerback Jake Hallman closed the corner in a hurry and crushed the Wildcat ballcarrier for a loss.

The Panther defense forced three punts, two interceptions and a fumble in the first half. Big Sandy managed just one first down in the half.  

Meanwhile, the Panthers scored on four of their five first-half possessions. Peyton Dickinson, back in uniform for the first time this year, opened the scoring with a long run following a great cut which buckled the knees of the Wildcat defender.

The offensive line – led by center Nickoli Kent –  manhandled the defenders on the second drive. Quarterback Easton Campbell took the ball over the goal line on a sneak early in the second quarter.

Hallman made the score 18-0 when he took a draw play through the middle, cut left and outraced the defense. Hallman ran with stunning purpose throughout the game. 

Following a swing pass from Campbell to Boogie Trimble which went for big yardage, Layton Williams got the call in the “hippo package” and bulldozed to a score from four yards. 

Just before the half, Payton Dickinson made a spectacular interception of a well-thrown go route in the southeast end zone. Wyatt Sutton was also in good position in coverage on the play. 

At the half, the score was 24-0, Alba-Golden. 

Cameron Lennon ripped off a long kick-off return to start the second half. Alba-Golden scored moments later when Hallman muscled in from four yards. 

On the ensuing kick-off, Luke Jones made a hard tackle on the returner. The third quarter continued the solid, physical play by Alba-Golden. A timely sack by Kent forced a Big Sandy punt on their only possession of the  quarter. 

The Panthers had one productive drive in the final quarter, moving 54 yards, but the drive stalled. A field goal attempt went wide right.  

Two momentary losses of concentration in the final quarter resulted in two Big Sandy scores. Early in the fourth, Alba-Golden failed to contain the edge and gave up a long score on a pitch-sweep. With only seconds remaining in the game, a Panther defender lost his footing in the end zone, allowing the Wildcat receiver to make an uncontested catch on a flag route for a score. 

The Panthers knew that this game would be a much more competitive challenge. They met that challenge in good form and are will be ready to commence district play Friday as they host Quinlan Boles.