Permian High School football held its annual Black and White spring game Thursday at Ratliff stadium.
The Black Team came away with a 27-17 victory over the White Team in a game that was driven by the defenses.
Due to the scoring system of the game, Permian’s Black Team won despite not scoring a touchdown.
The system grants six points to a team which forces a turnover, and the Black Team capitalized on this rule by recovering three fumbles and picking off a late pass to seal the game.
Permian’s Black Team wasn’t the only group to show defensive prowess, however, as both squads produced defensive highlights.
In particular, both teams had significant red zone stands where they held the opposing side to just a field goal attempt after they had marched to the 20-yard line.
One standout player during the game defensively was Parker Haynes, who played for the Black Team.
Haynes flew from sideline to sideline and consistently found himself at the ball, including multiple tackles in the backfield.
The offense for both sides struggled, in particular, with the handling of the snap at different points in the game.
There were multiple instances in which the snap was bobbled and even fumbled, which is what led to one of the Black Teams accumulated turnovers.
Throughout the game, the quarterbacks and slot receivers suffered from various miscues and disrupted timings trying to run the triple option. These mishaps are what led to the Black Team leaping past the white team to take the lead, recovering a fumble to go up 21-17 near the end of the fourth quarter.
Because of the Panthers run-heavy offensive approach, the quarterbacks did not get many opportunities to throw the ball.
Multiple running backs were able to make impact plays throughout the game.
Juzstyce Lara came out the gates early in the first quarter with two separate carries of 35 yards and 17 yards but would not receive many touches in the second half.
Meanwhile, John Paul Uranga broke off a handful of significant runs, including a goal line touchdown.
Both running backs competed for the White Team.
The elements made a brief appearance during the game, as a light drizzle came down in the second quarter before dissipating during halftime.
With the spring matchup now over, the Panthers will not touch the gridiron for an official game until August.
The Panthers will host Abilene High at Ratliff on Aug. 25.
