The Alba-Golden Panthers couldn't overcome their own mistakes in a 22-6 loss to the Maud Cardinals Friday night on the road. 

The Panthers, now 1-2, will face undefeated Cushing at home Friday in their final tuneup before opening district play against Kerens Sept. 25. The Kerens game will also be the Panthers homecoming game.  

Head Coach Drew Webster said the Panthers fought hard but couldn't overcome several self-inflicted mistakes. 

“It was more self-inflicted wounds for us on the offensive side. We had the ball inside their 30 yard-line five times and only came up with the one touchdown. We had a fumble, a turnover on downs and an interception. We did a good job upfront and still had around 300 yards rushing. We have to become more consistent, that’s the biggest thing,” Webster said. “If we can become more consistent in everything we do, we will be successful,” Webster said. 

Senior quarterback Brett Sutton rushed for 155 yards, while Sam Leddy added 42 yards on the ground. 

“We did a good job running the ball. Our offensive line did their job for us. We didn’t do the job when it mattered most. We just missed a wide-open touchdown by dropping the ball. Execution of what we want to do is the main thing to be successful,” Webster said. 

The Panthers will now turn their attention to Cushing, which enters Friday's game 3-0 and is averaging 40.7 points per game. 

The Bearkats opened the season with a 27-0 win over Colmesneil before defeating Maud 49-6. Cushing remained undefeated last week with a 46-19 win over Evadale. 

The Maud result provides an interesting comparison for the Panthers. Cushing defeated the Cardinals 49-6 one week before Maud handed Alba-Golden its 22-6 loss. 

“Cushing is very good at the things they do. They run a Slot-T offense with the veer. They have a really good fullback. Obviously they can score some points with their games so far. They are averaging around 40 to 42 points a game. We can handle that by holding on to the football, control the clock and be disciplined. All your eyes are on him and when their quarterback doesn’t hand-off to him, he pitches to the other back. Everybody keys on him and they gain yardage on the pitch. It’s very similar to the Oklahoma veer,” Webster said. 

Alba-Golden also received recognition recently from the University Interscholastic League for the conduct of its football program. 

Webster received a letter from A.J. Martinez, UIL assistant athletic director, after an official from a recent Alba-Golden game recognized the Panthers for their sportsmanship. 

“UIL officials recognized the way our kids played and just the way our coaches did things during the game. That was good and it’s the first time in my career to be recognized by officials,” Webster said. 

“Your actions show you understand what it means to act the ‘Texas Way’ and recognize the essential role officials play in providing a fair, safe, and positive experience for student-athletes, coaches and spectators. Thank-you for setting a strong example for your school and community. We wish you and your school success throughout the remainder of the school year,” Martinez said.  

Kickoff between Alba-Golden and Cushing is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Alba-Golden.