After a slow start in Permian’s season opener, the Panthers’ offense took off in last week’s high-scoring victory against El Paso Eastlake.
Two weeks ago, the Panthers could only muster 13 points in a low-scoring contest against Plano High.
Last week, Permian’s attack more than made up for it in the Panthers’ 56-49 nondistrict victory in El Paso.
While it was still close win, Permian head coach Jeff Ellison was still happy with the way his team played.
“Well, I’m happy to get the win, obviously,” Ellison said. “I’m proud of our guys, offensively. Stat-wise and execution-wise, I thought we were much better than the previous week. I was disappointed in the turnovers that we had. Defensively, first of all, Eastlake did a great job, scheme-wise. We just need to get our guys settled down with the emotions. They gave us some issues but I’m still pleased with how resilient we were and pulling it out at the end.”
A late touchdown by Luke Paradeaux with 34 seconds remaining ended up making the difference and an interception by Ian Rylee sealed the game for the Panthers.
Despite throwing two interceptions, Permian quarterback Jakob Garcia still had a phenomenal evening, going 12-fo-16 for 172 yards and two touchdowns while also running for 61 yards.
Tyran Williams had 101 yards receiving while Gavin Black had 215 yards.
“I thought we did some good things in all phases of the game,” Ellison said. “Our passing game was good too, despite two interceptions … We had a bunch of guys touch the ball … We had nine different guys contribute and that’s good.”
>> DEFENSE COMING THROUGH IN A CLUTCH:While the Permian defense had its struggles throughout the game, the Panthers came through in a clutch with a late interception by Rylee.
“It was one of those games where you try and get a stop and try to adjust on the fly,” Ellison said. “We made a play and were able to do that there at the end.”
>> ABILENE HIGH:Permian will get another tough nondistrict contest when the Panthers host the Abilene High Eagles (2-0) in this week’s home game.
The Eagles are coming off a 42-33 win against crosstown rivals Abilene Cooper last week. Abilene High’s season started with a 60-36 win against San Angelo Central.
Coached by Mike Fullen, the Eagles are looking to make another deep run in the playoffs this year Class 5A Division I.
“They’re very good,” Ellison said. “They’re well-coached. They play hard. Their kids get after you. We know what we’re getting. They have a good team that plays tough defense and great offense as well. it’s going to be a good challenge, especially with a short week.”
>> DON’T KILL THE MESSENGER BUT…:Last year’s meeting between the Panthers and the Eagles didn’t quite go well for Permian.
The Panthers were dealt a 49-14 loss in last year’s season opener against the Eagles.
Permian also lost to Abilene High 42-21 in 2021 and 27-25 in 2020 back when the Eagles were in District 2-6A.
>> THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Thursday’s game will present a short week for the Panthers but Ellison and his team knows that Abilene High has to go through a similar schedule.
“Yeah it’s a short week but they’re in the same boat as we are as far preparation,” Ellison said. “We had our normal Monday and Tuesday we’ll have a normal work day and we’ll treat Wednesday more like a Thursday and then get ready to go on Thursday.”
Abilene High at Permian
>> When: 7 p.m. Thursday
>> Where: Ratliff Stadium
>> Last Season: Abilene High 49, Permian 14
>> Records: Abilene High 2-0; Permian 2-0
>> Radio: KHKX (FM-99.1)
