Following a hard fought 18 to 13 victory over the visiting Brady Bulldogs this past Friday, the Blanco Panthers are all alone in first place in District 8-AA at 2 and 0. Although most had been accustomed to seeing the Panthers light up the score board as of late, it would prove to be the Panthers’ defense that would put on the show for the homecoming crowd holding the Bulldogs potent offense to just two scores and 261 yards in offense.

Although the game was the Panthers’ second lowest point total, Blanco would score quickly to take an early lead, ending their opening drive with a Layton Dworaczyk 1 yard run. After missing the PAT, Blanco would lead 6 to 0. Brady, however, would answer just as quick, scoring on their next possession via a 1 yard run also. The Bulldogs would miss their extra point attempt, leaving the score knotted at 6. Then, with just under a minute left in the quarter, the Bulldogs would take advantage of a Panther fumble deep in Blanco territory to grab a 13 to 6 lead at the end of the first quarter following a 3 yard run and successful PAT.

While the first quarter belonged to the Bulldogs, Blanco would own the second with Jared Newby regaining the lead for the Panthers on a pair of 1 yard runs. Although the Panthers’ woes would continue on two failed conversion attempts, an 18 to 13 lead was all Blanco’s defense would need, as they would shut out the Bulldogs for the rest of the game, preserving a key district win.

Offensively, Blanco would pick up 240 yards on the ground, lead by Eric Collins and Layton Dworaczyk with 75 and 69 yards respectively. In the air, Newby would complete just 3 passes on 5 attempts, however all three would result in key first downs to Shane Klein, Kevin Gray, and Dworaczyk.

On the defensive side of the ball, Blanco would turn back any threats the Bulldogs posed from the second quarter on, while forcing a key fumble recovered by Justin Warner deep in Blanco territory to end a potential scoring drive for the Bulldogs.

With the victory, Blanco improves to 6 and 1 on the year and will now travel to Junction to take on the Eagles. Junction comes into the game at 1 and 1 in district play following a loss to Comfort after beating Sonora in their district opener. Kick-off is set for 7:30 pm.