The Blanco 7th grade Panthers were quick to take the “war” out of the Warriors last Thursday when they took another road trip, this time to face the Warriors of Ingram, their first district opponent. Maybe not as big as Mountain Valley, but the Blanco seventh graders seemed to be out-sized by their opponents… again; however, that had no significance, especially when you have the speed and the ability to execute like the 7th grade Panthers.

Panthers kicked off first, but Blanco’s Eddy Torres was able to recover the ball on Ingram’s 36-yard line…1st and 10 Panthers. Four plays later, running back Chase Horton ran off tackle to the left side from 3 yards out for Blanco’s first TD, PAT missed. Ingram started from their 36 on the ensuing kickoff; 4 plays later and minus 6 yards, the Warriors turned the ball over on downs. Blanco came out with their “Big” Offense and it didn’t take long for running back Dustin Parmely to run around the right side for Blanco’s second TD, and quarterback Jessie Ferrell ran in the PAT. Ingram’s next offensive series began at their 30 yard line and that’s where Blanco took over after Ingram went 4 and out. It was only two plays later when Eddie Torres ran a miss direction to the left side for 35 yards; PAT missed and put the Panthers out front 22-0 at the close of the first half.

Blanco took the second half kickoff back to their 39 and on Blanco’s second play running back Chase Horton scampered (like he was on a mission) 52 yards for another Panther TD, PAT missed. Ingram started up at their 42 after the Blanco kickoff. After losing 15 yards, the Warriors punted on fourth down. The Panthers started on Ingram’s 42-yard line and marched down to Ingram’s 16 before they fumbled and Ingram took over. Blanco’s defense kept Ingram from advancing and took over on the Warrior’s 15; on the first play, running back Ryan Ronces ran around the left side for Blanco’s final TD, Jessie Ferrell ran in the PAT…final score Blanco 34, Ingram 0.

Vince Lombardi said, “Some people try to find things in this game that don’t exist but football is only two things - blocking and tackling;” the 7th grade Panthers displayed excellence in both. Credit to the Panthers’ running backs and their ability to find the open lanes, lanes made available due to the tenacious blocking by the front line. And kudos to the Panthers’ defense too; the defense made several tackles that resulted big losses for Ingram and allowed only 21 yards of regular offense. Big defensive plays were made by Joseph Lopez, Jordan Wagner, Chase Horton, Dustin Parmely, Adrien Dominquez, Ryan Ronces, and one by Gus Martinez who sacked an Ingram runner for a 12 yard loss. This puts the 7th grade Panthers at 3 and 1…the next game will be at home against Marion, another district game.

Running Stats: Chase Horton - 4 carries for 70 yards, Adrien Dominguez - 3 carries for 27 yards, Eddie Torres - 1 carry for 35 yards, Ryan Ronces - 3 carries for 33 yards, Jessie Ferrell - 1 carry for 11 yards, Dustin Parmely – 5 carries for 35 yards.

To view pictures of the game, visit: http://sites.google.com/site/blancomiddleschool football/