Cooper edges Panthers

Posted 10/31/24

The Alba-Golden Panthers lost to the Cooper Bulldogs 18-9 last Friday in Delta County. It was a quality football game.  

Here is a sample. Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers were …

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Cooper edges Panthers

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The Alba-Golden Panthers lost to the Cooper Bulldogs 18-9 last Friday in Delta County. It was a quality football game. 

Here is a sample. Early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers were driving and had a first down on the Cooper 34-yard line. The Panthers trailed 12-9 and were hot to take the lead from the Bulldogs. 

It was a simple off-tackle play to the left side. Sam Olson took the shotgun snap, turned and handed the ball to Cameron Lennon, who headed just off the left tackle, Blake Harris. 

Simultaneously, center Braden Rankin blocked down; right guard Pierce Phillips allowed Rankin to clear in front of him then pulled left into the center and turned up to block the offside linebacker. Right tackle Simon Ortega kicked the defensive end out to prevent any pursuit.

On the play side, left guard Hector Delgadillo blocked down. Blake Harris from his left tackle position blocked his opposite number out. Leading into the hole between Delgadillo and Harris was Bret Sutton who had lined up in a wingback position. He came through the line and targeted the play-side linebacker.  

All of the aforementioned Panthers executed textbook blocks on this play. 

Lennon exploded through the hole, ran over the opposing safety and cartwheeled to a nine-yard gain. 

Alba-Golden has had some tough trips to Cooper over the past few years, as Cooper rode one of those waves of football success. That wave has passed and the balance of power in the district is beginning to even out. It’s part of the cycle of scholastic sports. 

On the next play from scrimmage, the Panthers turned the ball over and in effect the game ended. Cooper scored quickly and the time ran out on the Panthers.

Had the Panthers scored on that fourth quarter drive, they may have exacted some revenge for recent losses to the Bulldogs. 

As it was, though, they had something nearly as good – respect. Close observation of the opposing coaches and players reveals something telling about the 2024 Panthers – no one enjoys playing them. They are well-prepared, well-coached and never quit.

Last Friday, the Panthers gave up two early scores, which put them at an immediate disadvantage. They fought back. Sam Olson scored on a 30-yard scamper which mixed two sharp cuts, some great acceleration and some avoidance for the Panthers first score. 

Just before the half he nailed a 32-yard field goal from the hold of Boogie Trimble. At the half the score stood 12-9 Cooper. 

The third quarter was a draw as each defense refused to yield. The potentially game-winning Alba-Golden drive did not come to fruition, and the game unfolded in Cooper’s favor. 

The Panthers are not yet done. They have two more dates: hosting Paul Pewitt Friday and traveling to Boles on Nov. 8. There is still a playoff spot open – don’t count the Panthers out.