The JV squad traveled to Lago Vista to take on the undefeated Vikings, and was prepared for the home team and refs, but ran into an unexpected surprise as well; Lago’s JV featured a senior tailback, who transferred from 4A Cedar Park and wasn’t eligible for varsity yet. Nonetheless, the Panthers dominated on both sides of the ball, and only the scoreboard at the end would show differently.

Blanco received the opening kick but turned the ball over on downs. Lago’s first series gave them a taste of the Panther ‘D’, and they went 3 and out. Blanco then marched down the field, with Aikman Elrod picking up 57 yards rushing on 4 carries, and Kyle Sauceda making a leaping catch in the end zone for the game’s first score. Carson Kipp was money in the bank as usual, catching QB McKay Adamson’s 2-point pass, giving Blanco an 8-0 lead.

The Vikings’ next drive ended quickly, as Hunter Goodman recovered a fumble at midfield. The Panthers were able to drive to the Viking 10 yard line, but couldn’t punch in the score before halftime. Both teams had stalled drives in the 2nd half, but Lago reached the Blanco 19 yard line on a counter, with John Hodge making a TD saving tackle. Logan Dodd then intercepted the Vikings, giving Blanco the ball on the 10 yard line going into the start of the fourth quarter. Blanco was unable to drive, and Lago blocked the punt and recovered on the 8 yard line. The Panther ‘D’ stuffed the Vikings on all 4 attempts, but an offsides penalty on 4th down allowed Lago one more shot, and they scored and converted to tie it up at 8-8.

The Panthers, behind hard running from Carson Kipp, made it to midfield, and from there QB Adamson hit Brett Champion for a 15-yard pass completion. Then Adamson connected with Kipp for an 18-yard pass down to the Lago 22. Blanco was able to drive to the 10, but turned the ball over on downs. The Vikings connected on a pass play to their senior back, who nearly broke free for a score, but again John Hodge made a great open field tackle, sealing the game as a tie.

Except for the blocked punt, the Vikings only managed one drive inside the Panther 20 the entire game.

The JV Panthers will play their final game of the season at home vs. Luling, and can clinch the district championship with a victory.