The Alba-Golden Panthers came home from Rivercrest High School with a disappointing 33-21 loss Friday.   

Almost one year ago the Panthers went to Rivercrest and stole the last playoff berth in one of their best games of the year. Almost everything which went well at last year’s match-up went badly this year. 

A big play preceded each Rebel touchdown. 

A punt return set up the Rebels’ first score, giving Rivercrest a first-and-10 at the Panther 10-yard line. They cashed in for a 6-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter it was busted coverage on a deep flag route which resulted in Rivercrest’s second score.

It appeared Alba-Golden turned the momentum in the second quarter. Mason Smith broke through for a huge sack of the Rebel quarterback, largely derailing a drive. 

Defensive tackle Layton Williams refused to be blocked and wrecked many Rivercrest rushing attempts.

Down by 14, the Panthers mounted a concerted drive (6 plays, 67 yards) late in the half. A deep ball from Sam Olson to Wyatt Sutton was the key play. The pair connected a few plays later for the touchdown on a nicely-timed corner route from the tight end position.  

On the next possession, the Panthers had a Rebel pass bounce off their hands.

The game went to the break 14-7, Rivercrest.

Alba-Golden was stymied in their first two possessions of the second half. The Rebel defense gave the Panthers fits, sending the defensive ends crashing down the line. 

The Rebels scored on their first two drives of the half, largely determining the outcome. 

Each score came after a critical play. Twice on that first drive, Alba-Golden had defenders in perfect position to make plays on the edge, but the Rebels escaped.  

Rivercrest scored on a perfect pass with the ball finding the receiver between the outstretched hands of the cornerback and safety. 

In the second case, a 12-yard scoring pass must have come within an inch of being deflected in the end zone. 

Just before the quarter break, the Panthers began to move. Luke Jones had the longest run of the night – a 16-yard jaunt over the left side. The drive, however stalled. 

The punt was blocked by a Rebel who split two pair of Panther blockers. The ball was scooped and the score became 33-7 on the first play of the fourth quarter. 

The fourth quarter is normally a strong suit for the Panthers. It was again Friday. 

The Panthers moved 52 yards in 10 plays to close the score. Cameron Lennon carried the ball over the right side from 4-yards. 

On the kickoff, Boogie Trimble sent a line drive near the goal line. It was tough to handle, and the Rebel returner had to fall on it at the Rebel 2-yard line. 

Three plays later, Lennon stepped in front of a slant route, picked the pass and sliced into the end zone for another score. 

Time ran out on the Panthers, as the Rebels burned off the last few minutes with two timely first downs.

The Panthers have a bye this week and will be hosting the Honey Grove Warriors on the 18th.