For most Permian supporters, the biggest rivalry game of the year is this week.
After 365 days of waiting, it returns as Permian hosts Midland Legacy at 7 p.m. Friday at Ratliff Stadium in another edition of the Panthers-Rebels’ rivalry.
Permian (7-0 overall, 2-0 in District 2-6A) is one of two teams that remains undefeated in district play.
The other is Wolfforth Frenship (6-1, 2-0).
Midland Legacy (2-5, 1-1), having played a very tough nondistrict schedule, is desperate to right the ship after losing its first district game last week in a 51-48 defeat to Frenship.
The Rebels began district play with a 42-36 victory against San Angelo Central on Oct. 11.
Their only other victory came against Abilene High in a 62-42 win in nondistrict play on Sept. 20.
Still, Permian head coach Jeff Ellison knows how difficult this Legacy team is.
“They’re a very talented team,” Ellison said. “They do a good job offensively. He has a big arm. Defensively, they’re very strong up front. Their defensive line does a great job of blocking so it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”
Legacy quarterback JP Reyes threw for 189 yards in last week’s loss to Frenship.
>> ADVANTAGE…: Recent history suggests that fate favors Permian. However, this rivalry has gone back and forth at times as well.
After losing in 2018, Permian won the bragging rights in 2019 and 2020.
The rivalry then went back to Legacy in 2021 and 2022 before Permian won last year’s contest in a 32-31 victory.
>> SURVIVING: Permian’s victory against San Angelo Central last week wasn’t an easy one.
The Panthers survived a 31-29 win against the Bobcats at San Angelo Stadium to remain undefeated.
“I’m just proud of our guys and for continuing to fight,” Ellison said. “They made some big plays in the second half.”
San Angelo Central (3-4, 0-2) has a high-scoring offense that was held to a season-low in last Friday’s game.
“Our defense had a great night,” Ellison said. “Obviously, their quarterback and offense gave us some issues. They’re very explosive. Their quarterback did a good job of keeping plays alive with his feet. But our kids did a good job of staying resilient and making the plays when they had to.”
Midland Legacy at Permian
>> Time, Date, Place: 7 p.m., Friday at Ratliff Stadium
>> Records: Midland Legacy 2-5 overall, 1-1 in District 2-6A; Permian 7-0, 2-0
>> Last game: Wolfforth Frenship 51, Midland Legacy 48; Permian 31, San Angelo Central 29
>> Radio: FM-99.1
