Alba-Golden came within two points of handing Cushing its first loss of the season Friday, falling 26-24 to the Bearkats.
Cushing entered the game 4-0 and averaging 41 points per game, including a 46-19 win over Evadale the previous week. The Panthers held the Bearkats to their lowest scoring output of the season.
“Things are going to start coming our way. If not for three or four plays, we could be undefeated. We preach to our kids we are just a few possessions away from winning more games,” said head coach Drew Webster.
Senior quarterback Brett Sutton completed 5 of 7 passes for 157 yards and rushed for another 120 yards and a touchdown. Alba-Golden finished with 275 yards on the ground.
“Sutton had a good game. They were focused on him and we were able to run for 275 yards. Last year was a tough year and we were not in some games but this year we have put ourselves in a position to win ball games. Our defense has played well and has kept us in each game so far this year,” Webster said.
Sam Leddy also scored a touchdown for the Panthers, while the offensive line helped Alba-Golden establish its running game.
The loss dropped Alba-Golden to 1-3 heading into the start of district play. The Panthers will host Kerens this week as part of Alba-Golden’s 2026 homecoming.
Kerens enters the game 0-4 with losses to Rio Vista, 47-20; Bosqueville, 34-28; Axtell, 50-6; and Leon, 56-22.
“The non-district games are over now. Everyone in our district is 0-0 right now. Our kids know they must be prepared for each game. The kids are excited about this week and our coaches are too. It’s homecoming and we are looking forward to being ready and focused on the things we have to do to win the ball game,” Webster said.
“We are where we want to be right now. Sure, we would like to be undefeated, but this is an opportunity for us to have a fresh start and we need to have a good game to start district play. We have made progress with each game we have played this year. We are in a good place and we are ready for the challenge,” Webster said.
Alba-Golden’s district schedule gets more difficult following Kerens. The Panthers travel to Frankston for their next game.
Frankston, Carlisle and Cayuga are each 4-0, while Hawkins and Como-Pickton are 3-1. Alba-Golden is 1-3 and Kerens is 0-4.
Homecoming activities are planned throughout the week at Alba-Golden, culminating with the crowning of the 2026 homecoming queen and the district opener against Kerens.