Permian’s strong second half performance ended up making the difference in the Panthers’ 50-26 win against crosstown rivals Odessa High last Friday at Ratliff Stadium.
After building a 15-point second quarter advantage, Permian’s lead was only 22-20 at the half with momentum going in the Bronchos’ direction.
Two goal line stands from Odessa High’s defense-one at the end of the first half and the other at the start of the third quarter-left Permian’s offense frustrated. The latter of the two goal line stands ended in a turnover on downs for the Panthers.
However, the Panthers’ next trip to the red zone didn’t go to waste as running back Gavin Black scored on a 2-yard carry to give Permian a 29-20 lead with 5:55 left in the third quarter.
“That was very crucial to get that touchdown but there was a little frustration with our guys but they got it worked out and we were able to get it corrected,” Permian head coach Jeff Ellison said.
That scoring drive, coupled with Permian’s defense holding the Bronchos to a fourth quarter shutout, ended up making the difference in this year’s edition of the crosstown rivalry.
“I’m just proud of our guys and our coaching staff,” Ellison said. “Our running back Gavin Black had another great night and I thought our defense played really well in the second half in making adjustments and shutting them down.”
The victory puts Permian at 6-0 overall, 1-0 in District 2-6A play while Odessa High fell to 2-3, 0-1.
>> SPECIAL TEAMS: Permian’s special teams unit also had its crucial moments during the game.
One of which saw the Panthers getting the ball back on a kickoff after the Bronchos muffed the return in the third quarter that soon led to another Permian scoring drive.
“I think a big part of it was our special teams,” Ellison said. “Coach Jarryd Garza does a great job with that. There were some plays on special teams that were big for us and kept the momentum going our way.”
Odessa High’s punting unit also had the ball through the end zone on the first drive of the game that resulted in a safety.
>> FIVE TOUCHDOWNS: Black had another big night for the Panthers, scoring five touchdowns and rushing for 223 yards from 24 carries.
His performance earned him MVP honors after the game.
“Obviously, it’s a very great performance by him and by our offense and by everyone playing together,” Ellison said. “I’m proud of their efforts.”
Permian’s offense finished with 428 total yards from 56 plays.
>> FOURTH QUARTER DEFENSE: Considering that Odessa High’s offense, led by quarterback Mikey Cota, has averaged over 40 points a game this season, stopping the Bronchos’ attack seemed easier said than done.
After three quarters of Odessa High finding an answer on offense, Permian’s defense was able to hold the Bronchos to a fourth quarter shutout.
“First off, OHS has a very talented quarterback,” Ellison said. “We were able to get to him a few times and pressure him and I think that had a big impact and our guys did a great job of making halftime adjustments and executing that.”
>> SAN ANGELO CENTRAL: With four more district games remaining and with 2-6A looking like a wide-open race, the Panthers will now turn their attention to San Angelo Central for a 7 p.m. Friday road game at San Angelo Stadium.
Under the command of first-year head coach Mark Smith, the Bobcats have already looked better than last year’s 1-9 team.
San Angelo Central (3-3, 0-1) gave Midland Legacy plenty of fits despite coming up short in last week’s 42-36 loss to the Rebels.
Led by quarterback Christian English, the Bobcats’ offense has so far averaged 36.33 points per game this year.
“They’re a very talented team,” Ellison said. “Offensively, they do a lot of different things on formations. They have a talented quarterback. Defense, they’re a 3-4 but they also make adjustments so it’s going to be a great challenge for us.”
Permian at San Angelo Central
>> Time, Date, Place: 7 p.m. Friday, San Angelo Stadium, San Angelo.
>> Records: Permian 6-0 overall, 1-0 in District 2-6A; San Angelo Central 3-3, 0-1.
>> Last game: Permian 50, Odessa High 26; Midland Legacy 42, San Angelo Central 36.
>> Last season: Permian 42, San Angelo Central 14.
>> Radio: FM-99.1 (KHKX)
