After spotting District 10-3A DII favorite Harmony a 28-0 lead at the half, the Alba-Golden Panthers battled on even terms the rest of the way before finally falling 35-7 in a rugged district opener. The Panthers had to open district play on the road in a place where it is tough to play.

The Panthers are 0-1 in district play and have a 2-1 season record. The Panthers host Winona this Friday night for Homecoming 2018.

The Panthers did get on the board in the final quarter on an 11 yard pass play from Zane Smith to Boedie Baker. Harmony’s Barrett Hill scored twice in the first half on runs of 10 and four yards. The Eagles added a score on a 27 yard pass play and Easton Blackstone ran an interception back for a score. Harmony added a final tally in the fourth quarter on a nine yard touchdown run by Michael Everett.

Alba-Golden’s opponent this Friday is Winona, a 56-19 winner over Frankston in their district opener. The Wildcats have five offensive and seven defensive returning starters from last year’s playoff team.

Winona is led by the Kelon Kindcade, Jr., son of Head Coach Keylon Kincade, who can line up at running back, quarterback, or in a wide receiver slot on offense. He also was an all district performer last season at safety. Speedy running back Quin Johnson has returned after rushing for 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns last year.

An overflow homecoming crowd is expected for the game and the festivities.