The 2010 football season started with a bang for the Blanco Panthers, who took the season’s opening kick-off and drove 77 yards for their first score of the year. However, it would not be until their final drive of the night that Blanco would score again, as their game with the visiting Canyon Lake Hawks turned into a defensive battle.

On the game’s opening drive, Blanco took over four minutes off the clock before Kyle Holmes bulled his way into the end zone from 17 yards out to give the Panthers an early 6 to 0 lead after a failed extra point attempt. The Hawks finally answered in the second quarter, driving 42 yards in just two plays to score on a 27-yard run by HB Eduardo Covarrubias. Juan Martinez added the extra point to give Canyon Lake a 7 to 6 lead going into halftime.

The second half saw both teams trade field position as turnovers plagued both squads. Finally, with less than two minutes remaining in the game, Blanco took over on their own 23 yard line and drove 77 yards in a 1:21 to reclaim the lead with just 51 seconds remaining as QB Tanner Rogers connected with Kyle Garrow on a 34-yard pass play.

The Panthers’ try for two points was unsuccessful and Blanco closed out the game and the victory on the Hawks’ ensuing drive when Gavin Garrow collected his second interception of the night.

For the game, the Panther offense totaled 340 yards and 15 first downs. Leading the way in total offense for Blanco was Tanner Rogers, with 147 yards through the air to go with 34 on the ground. Kyle Holmes led the Panther ground attack with 89 yards on 14 carries.

Defensively, Blanco held the Hawks to 183 yards and only 9 first downs while forcing 3 turnovers and 6 punts to go along with 3 QB sacks.

The Panthers will now begin preparations for this week’s game against Lexington on Friday at Panther Stadium. Lexington comes into the game following a 61 to 0 victory over Smithville to open their season. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.