There are not many more dominating performances than what the Alba-Golden Panthers did to the Big Sandy Wildcats Friday night. The Panthers decimated the visiting Wildcats 34-0, in the process tallying 325 yards of offense and holding the Wildcats to under 30. 

Alba-Golden simply operated at a higher level all night. They were the aggressors at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, while all of their ball-carriers ran like they had just been zapped by a cattle prod.

On a night which honored the veterans in the community, the collected vets could not have been happier with the tribute. 

The Panthers scored on drives of 55, 57 and 67 yards in the first half, all the while holding Big Sandy to three punts and a turn-over-on-downs. 

Alba-Golden overwhelmed their opponents with an array of running looks – including a full backfield – and an offense which used the direct snap all night.

However, schemes are just schemes, and it was the physical dominance which was telling. After the initial couple of series, the Wildcats’ motivation had been dulled by the relentless Alba-Golden play. 

The running back stable of Boedy Baker, Glenn Hartley, Donald McVay and Ryan Jackson merit special mention. Collectively, they ran as hard as any backfield combination one ever sees, regardless of level of competition. 

Defensively, the Panthers created nine negative yardage plays in the game. It was a true team effort, as the Wildcats could find no seams in the Alba-Golden defense. 

While it must be kept in mind that Big Sandy was playing its first game of the year as their original match-up was against a private school not yet playing football this season, there is no diminishing the quality of the Panthers’ performance Friday night.

As Alba-Golden travels to Union Grove this week, they must continue to improve. Big Sandy and Union Grove are likely not the challenges yet to come when facing district favorites Wolfe City and Rivercrest.

If the Panthers are able to keep their high intensity and disciplined play, they have the chance to turn the tables on this year’s district favorites.