The Alba-Golden Panthers opened their district campaign Friday with a 35-21 win over the visiting Como-Pickton Eagles. 

It was a game in which the Panthers separated from the Eagles in the early second quarter and maintained an advantage over the visitors throughout.  

The full-house backfield of the Eagles was certainly a test for the Panthers, especially the quick-hitting nature of the inside running game. They responded well, however, and gave up only two consequential drives.

The Panthers opened the scoring early in the second quarter with a 7-play 85-yard drive. Alba-Golden unleashed a bevy of talented runners, with Luke Jones, Cameron Lennon and Sam Olsen doing the majority of the work. 

The Eagles answered with their best drive of the game, 78 yards in seven plays. Como-Pickton benefited from a fit of lapsed tackling by the Panthers, who repeatedly made solid contact but failed to wrap-up the runners. 

With 7:22 before the half, the game was tied.

The Panthers embarked on their second scoring drive, 53 yards in eight plays. A beautiful scoring strike from 41-yards was nullified by a penalty.  

Undeterred, the Panthers exposed the seams of the Eagle defense and finished the drive on the ground. Jones scored on a 12-yard run. 

The boys from Hopkins County came to play. They marched 62 yards as the half drew to a close. With the seconds ticking away, Como-Pickton snapped the ball from the Alba-Golden 4-yard line. 

The Eagles tried to outflank the Panthers with a quarterback option around the left end. The whole Panther defense reacted to the play and a wave of defenders kept Como-Pickton out of the end zone. The half expired as a stack of bodies was untangled.  It was a character-shaping play. 

At the half, the Panthers held a 14-7 lead.

The third quarter offered an even game. The Panthers opened a 14- point lead by scoring on their first possession. Como-Pickton promptly answered to close the game again to a 7-point margin, 21-14. 

As the final quarter began, each team tried to take a deep shot and each turned the ball over on an interception. 

Alba-Golden took over near midfield. On their second snap from scrimmage, Lennon took a hand-off through the left side and made another amazing dash – this one for 32 yards and a score. 

The Eagles tried to answer but turned the ball over on downs after 10 snaps. 

Olson hit Garrett Wright with a deep ball, and the Panthers took a 21-point lead, 35-14.

The elation on the sideline was short-lived as the Eagles returned the kick-off for a score  to make it 35-21. 

An Alba-Golden fumble in their own territory gave Como-Pickton life in the final minutes, but a strong defensive stand preserved the win. 

The Panthers must be ready for a whole new challenge this Friday. They travel to Rivercrest – always a tough place to play. The Rebels are 4-0 and open their district schedule after having a bye week. 

It should be a thrilling game, and will likely go to the team that leverages their strengths and offers up no turnovers.