Alba-Golden Panthers leveraged a dominating second half to record a 17-12 season-opening football win Friday at Overton’s Chester Roy Field. In addition to a loud home crowd, the Panthers had to overcome a Mustangs team with a massive offensive line, speedy receivers and a strong-armed quarterback. 

The first half was equally-matched. Overton chalked up 173 yards of offense and Alba-Golden tallied 193 yards. The Panthers shut down the Mustangs in the second half, limiting the home team to only 17 yards while grinding out 171 yards on offense.

Overton scored on the third snap of the game. They connected on a straight ‘go’ route which went for a 56-yard touchdown strike. The score may have been a jolt to the Panthers, but they rebounded with confidence. 

As the quarter ended, the Panthers were on a 12-play, 85-yard scoring drive. The drive featured a beautifully-executed flag route from quarterback Sam Olson to Wyatt Sutton. The throw and the catch were highlight reel quality. Olson’s toss was on the run as he rolled left, and Sutton just snagged the last half of the ball as it dropped in over his shoulder.

Also of note was a short-snap, first down carry on a fourth-and-1 from the Overton 22-yard line. The touchdown came on a Mason Smith carry from a full-house backfield, as the left side of the line paved the way into the end zone from three yards out.

Overton retook the lead on a fluke play just before the weather blew in. From the Alba-Golden 40-yard line, the Mustangs threw a skinny post route. Panther defensive back Cameron Lennon took a bead on the pass and elevated high to intercept it. He was impacted while in the air, and the ball bounced off his shoulder pad. It popped into the hands of a second Mustang receiver who had a clear path to the end zone. Overton led at the weather break 12-7.

The skies never cleared, but the lightning did move out of the area, and play resumed after a 30-minute break.

Although the Panthers came up empty after a 70-yard drive which ended with a turnover on downs at the Mustang’s 3-yard line, they managed to chase the Overton quarterback out of the back of the end zone on the ensuing play. The defensive pressure scored a safety and made the score 12-9, Overton, at the half.

The second half was all Alba-Golden. They out-manned the host side, and the conditioning of the Alba-Golden squad turned the entire course of the game. The Panthers ran 33 plays in the second half; Overton managed only 17. 

The Panthers relentlessly began to grind out the game. Most noticeably was the shifty and surprisingly strong running of Cameron Lennon. The halfback used great vision and cutbacks to slice 50 yards through the Mustangs defense for the go-ahead score. 

A 2-point conversion made the score 17-12 with 1:55 to play in the third quarter. 

Overton had further opportunities, but two interceptions by the Panther’s secondary preserved the win. Late in the third, Luke Jones undercut an out route and made a well-timed interception. In the Mustangs final possession, Lennon redeemed the crazy deflection of the first half to grab an interception which had ricocheted high into the air. 

The Panthers ended the game from victory formation on a 12-play drive.

The results of the opening game were encouraging. Although a small school, Overton had gone two rounds deep in the playoffs last year and brought back considerable talent.

This Friday, the local fan base will get a chance to see the 2024 Panthers as they host Mt. Enterprise. Kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m.