Permian’s loss to Midland Legacy may have dented the Panthers’ District 2-6A title hopes but by no means did it end it.
With two games to go in the regular season, Permian (7-1 overall, 2-1 in District 2-6A) is still alive in the district title race.
However, the Panthers will need a win against Wolfforth Frenship (7-1, 3-0) this week to keep those hopes of a district championship going.
Permian will host Frenship for a Senior Night clash at 7 p.m. Friday at Ratliff Stadium.
The Tigers are coming off a 56-7 win against Odessa High last week and are in the driver’s seat in the District 2-6A standings after Permian’s 49-38 loss to Midland Legacy on the same night.
The loss to Legacy put the Rebels back in the hunt for a share of the District 2-6A title. Legacy now sits at 3-5, 2-1.
As for last week’s result, the Panthers are putting in the rearview mirror.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed in Friday night’s result,” Permian head coach Jeff Ellison said. “But I’m proud of our kids’ fight. Our focus on Saturday morning switched to Frenship and we’re ready to go.”
>> DOWN BUT NEVER OUT: The Panthers never led against the Rebels last week.
Twice, Permian found itself down by 14 points against Legacy but managed to close the gap on the Rebels.
While it wouldn’t be enough, Ellison was proud of the way his players were resilient.
“We’ve been in situations where we came out on top throughout the year but you have to give credit to Midland Legacy,” Ellison said. “They’re a great football team. you can’t make mistakes against them and turn the ball over.”
Mistakes didn’t help the Panthers as Permian had eight penalties for 66 yards while Legacy only had three penalties for 31 yards.
The Panthers also had three turnovers, including two fumbles that were recovered by the Rebels and an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the second quarter.
“I thought we had a good week of preparation,” Ellison said. “But then you have to play the game and we made those mistakes.”
>> A LOOK AT FRENSHIP: The Tigers’ only loss of the season so far was a season-opening defeat against Byron Nelson on Aug. 30.
Since then, Frenship has been on a seven-game winning streak.
Their high-scoring offense, led by quarterback Holden Phillips- has led the way as the unit has averaged 52.8 points per game.
“Their offense is very explosive,” Ellison said. “Their quarterback does a good job of throwing the ball and does a great job of keeping plays alive. They have a great receiving corps. They have a solid offensive line and great running backs.”
A victory for Frenship against Permian would clinch a share of the District 2-6A title.
Whether or not it will be enough for an outright district title will have to wait until the end of the regular season as Midland High (6-2, 2-1) and Legacy still battle each other this week.
The winner of Midland’s crosstown rivalry will remain in the hunt for a share of the 2-6A title.
Wolfforth Frenship at Permian
>> Time, Date, Place: 7 p.m., Friday at Ratliff Stadium
>> Records: Frenship 7-1 overall, 3-0 in District 2-6A; Permian 7-1, 2-1
>> Last season: Frenship 46, Permian 44
>> Last week: Frenship 56, Odessa High 7; Midland Legacy 49, Permian 38
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