The 7th Grade Panthers hosted the undefeated (district) Luling Eagles this week to battle for all the bragging rights as the [only] undefeated (district champion) 7th Grade Team. The Panthers have been outsized by their opponents all year; however, Luling brought along some speed that the Panthers hadn’t seen that much of all year. The young Panthers’ defense gave up too much too soon in the first quarter, which allowed the Eagles a quick score, but after that the defense toughened up and allowed the Eagles only 110 yards of offense; however, the Blanco offense had a difficult time trying to get past Luling’s defense. Luling’s defense was equipped with a couple of linebackers that were able to shutdown many of Blanco’s plays before they got started. Blanco was able to rack up a total of 120 yards; one drive went for 68 yards, but couldn’t cross the line that made the whole thing count.

The Eagles received the ball first and started at Blanco’s 45 yard line. Luling successfully moved the ball and 6 plays later made the game’s first and only touchdown. The PAT was good, putting the Luling Eagles out front 8-0. After the ensuing kickoff, Blanco started at their own 43, but fumbled the ball on their first play from scrimmage… Luling took over on Blanco’s 47. Luling completed a long pass down to Blanco’s 5 yard line, but a holding penalty, followed by some tough defensive plays, kept the Eagles out of the end zone and Blanco took over on downs at their own 8 yard line. On their first play, running back Adrien Dominguez ran around the left side down to the Eagles’ 36 yard line. The Panthers eventually ran out of plays and turned the ball over on downs. The Eagles regained possession at Blanco’s 26 where the half ended.

Blanco received the 2nd half kickoff and started from their 20 yard line. The Panthers were able to move the ball enough to make 1 first down. The Panthers got as far as their own 39 and, on 4th down, tried a fake punt but were unsuccessful and Luling took over on Blanco’s 38. Luling moved the ball as far as Blanco’s 5 yard line but, once again, the Panthers’ defense rose to the occasion and stopped the Eagle drive. With just under 2 minutes to play, the Panthers took over on their own 12 yard line. A few plays later, the Panthers had a fourth and long when they ran an option play; running back Chase Horton connected with Eddie Torres for 22 yards and a Panther 1st down. The Panthers had new life but little time. The Panthers continued to drive the ball well, but eventually ran out of downs. The Eagles took over and simply ran out the clock with the final score, Luling 8 Panthers 0.

This gave the 7th Grade Panthers a final record of 6 and 2, 4 and 1 for District.

Stats: Eddie Torres – 7 carries for 21 yards and 1 reception for 22 yards; Adrien Dominguez – 9 carries for 73 yards; Chase Horton – 2 carries for 7 yards.

To view pictures of the 7th and 8th grade games, visit: https://sites.google.com/site/blancomiddleschoolfootball/ or type Blanco Middle School Football into Google search