The 8th grade Panthers hosted Lago Vista Vikings this past week. The Panthers had to settle for a tie the previous week but, with a little help from the 7th grade band drum line, that wasn’t going to happen this time.

The Panthers kicked off to the Vikings first but a tough defensive stand, which included defensive back Jarred Mayfield knocking down a pass that would have been a big gainer for the Vikings, allowed the Panthers to take over on downs at their 48 yard line. Running back Adrian Dominguez broke open the initial drive with a 30-yard run, then it was running back Chase Horton adding a couple of big rushes putting the ball inside the 5. Adrian Dominguez capped off the drive with a run up the middle; a reception in the end zone by Justin Williams added on the extra point, Blanco out front 8-0.

The Vikings’ next drive started at their 35, but that ended soon when safety Jordan Wagner intercepted another Viking long pass attempt. Blanco took over on their 21 yard line and, with the rushing combination of Eddie Torres and a 65-yard run by Dominguez, the Panthers made their way into the Viking end zone for the 2nd time, extra point good, Blanco led 16-0.

The Vikings started up again at their 37, but this time it was linebacker Adrian Dominguez intercepting another Viking pass attempt. Panthers picked up again on Lago Vista’s 47. This drive had a shaky start, but a 15-yard run up the middle by Chase Horton put the drive back in pace. Eddie Torres ripped up some yardage with a reverse around the left side for 37 yards and then Adrian Dominguez ran it across the goal line for the third time… still in the first half, extra point no good, Panthers led 22-0 at the half.

As with many of their previous games, the Panthers found themselves with a sizeable lead going into the 3rd quarter. The Panthers returned the second half opening kickoff to their 43, but Lago Vista’s defense forced Blanco to turn the ball over on downs and the Vikings took over on Blanco’s 47. The Vikings put on a steady drive that put Blanco on their heels and provided the Vikings with their first score, extra point good, Panthers led 22-8. Blanco answered right back with two big runs from Chase Horton totaling 21 yards and then finalized by Adrian Dominguez with a 20-yard run and his 4th touchdown. With the help from placekicker Justin Williams, the Panthers were successful with their first attempt at kicking the PAT, good for 1 point; Blanco led 29-8.

The Panthers held Lago Vista on their next drive, but, after taking over, the Panthers fumbled midway into the 4rth quarter. The Vikings took over at midfield and were able to march down and score for the 2nd time, extra point not good. The Panthers ran out the clock on their next possession, ending the game with another win, 29-12.

Offense Stats: Dominguez – 8 carries for 134 yards, 4 touchdowns; Torres – 3 carries for 48 yards; Horton – 6 carries for 107 yards; Dechert – 1 carry for 12 yards.