The Blanco Panthers picked up their first road win of the year and improved to 3 and 1 after defeating the #7 ranked Granger Lions 38 to 22. The Panthers averaged over 10 yards per carry on the ground with 3 plays covering over 70 yards each.

Granger would strike first on the night completing a 25 yard half back pass for the game’s first touchdown. Although they would miss the extra point, the Lions were up 6 to 0. Blanco, however, would answer on the ensuing drive with a Justin Warner 3 yard run. QB Jared Newby would add the two point conversion run and the Panthers would lead 8 to 6 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter would begin just like the first with Granger going to the air for the score. This time on a 41 yard pass play. After converting the two point conversion run, the Lions had regained the lead at 14 to 8. Although the Panthers would struggle at times during the second quarter, Blanco would mount a final drive just before the half to reclaim the lead on a Kevin Gray 1 yard run. Gray’s run would be set up on a 49 yard pass play from Layton Dworaczyk to Shane Klein. Newby would again have a hand in the two point conversion as he would connect with Anthony Vela on a pass play to give Blanco a 16 to 14 halftime lead.

Blanco would take control of the game in the third quarter, as Eric Collins would strike pay dirt on two consecutive carries. Following a missed field goal by Granger, the Panthers would take over on their own twenty yard line. On the first play of the drive Collins would sprint untouched up the middle for an 80 yard touchdown. Newby would connect on another conversion, this time with Dworaczyk to make the score 24 to 14. On the Lion’s ensuing possession, the Panther defense would force a fumble which was recovered by Chase Howells. Once again, Blanco would waste little time as Collins would cover 28 yards up the middle for his second TD of the night. Although Blanco would fail on the conversion, Blanco would lead 30 to 14 after three quarters of play.

Granger would manage one final score on a 9 yard run. After completing a successful two point conversion run, the Lions were within striking distance at 30 to 22. However, the Panthers would put the game away with 3:52 left on a1 yard run by Vela. Newby would add the conversion run for the Panthers to seal the victory at 38 to 22.

On the night, Blanco would gain over 400 yards, with Collins, Dworacyzk, and Gray each going over 100 yards, while the Panther’s defense would force three key turnovers and force the ball over on downs four different times inside their own 20 yard line.

Blanco now goes into an open week, which will allow for several key players to heal and work towards a return for next week’s final non-district tune up when the Panthers host Hyde Park of Austin. Kick-off at Panther Stadium is set for 7:30 pm.