The (4 and 1) 7th grade Panthers hosted the (rumored) undefeated Marion Bulldogs this week. Blanco’s offense performed well against a [better than usual] defense racking up 200 yards of offense; rushing for 160 yards and 40 yards in the air. The Panthers’ defense did their job limiting Marion to a total of 122 yards and one touchdown.

Marion won the toss and elected to receive. They started on their 37-yard line but the Panthers’ defense held and Marion elected to punt. Blanco took over on their 45-yard line. After losing 10 yards on a holding penalty, Panthers running back Eddie Torres ran a counter to the left side… split end Trent Dechert sealed off the defensive corner back leaving Torres wide open to sprint 53 yards for Blanco’s first TD, PAT failed. On the ensuing kickoff, Jessie Ferrell was able to recover the football. Blanco’s offense took over on Marion’s 45-yard line. The Panthers moved the ball as far as Marion’s 21 before giving it up on downs. The Panthers’ defense allowed a few plays but their offense soon regained possession at their 38-yard line; however, there was not enough time on the clock… the 1st half expired with Blanco leading 6-0.

The second half opened with Marion successfully recovering their on-side kick starting them at Blanco’s 47. Marion marched down to Blanco’s 1-yard line and finalized the drive with a 1-yard plunge for the TD; PAT missed tying the score at 6 a piece. Blanco and Marion traded out an offensive series without any score; however, Blanco eventually got things going late in the 3rd quarter when Adrien Dominguez ran the ball around the right side for 24 yards and then quarter back quarterback Jordan Wagner went deep to Eddie Torres for 35 yards and Blanco’s second TD. Chase Horton capped on the PAT with a run around the right side putting the score at Blanco 14, Marion 6. The next kickoff had Marion starting at their 33. Blanco’s defense held Marion to negative 3 yards and took over on downs… 4 plays later running back Ryan Ronces ran off tackle to the left for Blanco’s 3rd TD, PAT failed stretching Blanco’s lead 20 to 6. Marion came out passing on their next (and last) offensive series. They made a little headway, but Blanco’s defense eventually put an end to their drive… the Panthers took over on downs and ran out the clock giving the 7th grade Panthers 4 wins in a row (2-0 for district).

Stats: Eddie Torres – 3 carries for 62 yards, 1 reception for 35 yards, and 2 touchdowns; Adrien Dominguez – 8 carries for 49 yards; Dustin Parmely – 2 carries for 20 yards; Ryan Ronces – 3 carries for 19 yards and 1 touchdown; Jordan Wagner – 1 carry for 4 yards. Jordan Wagner passed 2 for 2 at a total of 40 yards.

To view pictures of the 7th and 8th grade games, visit: https://sites.google.com/site/blancomiddleschoolfootball/