The Permian Panthers survived a low-scoring contest in a 13-10 victory against Plano High Friday on a rain-soaked field at Ratliff Stadium.
With the win, the Panthers got their first win against the Wildcats in the series history.
In the first meeting between the two sides since 1994, Permian (1-0) took the lead late in the third quarter and didn’t look back.
Plano High sits at 0-1.
Plano High was led by Chance Culley in rushing with 12 carries for 41 yards while Donald Smith had two catches for 49 yards.
Tyree Fisher went 9-of-22 for 102 yards and a touchdown passing.
Permian was led by running back Gavin Black who had 25 carries for 174 yards while wide receiver Alexx Cruz had one reception for 15 yards and quarterback Jakob Garcia went 3-of-11 for 21 yards.
After a lengthy rain delay, both teams began the game at around 8 p.m.
The Panthers were forced to go three-and-out on their first offensive series and had to punt from out of their own end zone.
The Wildcats’ offense didn’t waste time in getting yards on their opening drive but were forced to settle for a 24-yard field goal by kicker Dax Dunham with 8:09 left in the first quarter for a 3-0 lead.
The Wildcats’ lead was only 3-0 at the end of the quarter.
Jakob Garcia took off on a 29-yard run to get to just outside the end zone and on the following play, running back Gavin Black scored on a four-yard carry to put the Panthers ahead.
Jaden Stringer’s PAT attempt was no good as Permian’s lead was 6-3 lead with 11:45 left in the second quarter.
Plano High responded with a touchdown pass of 33 yards to Smith and the PAT by Dunham gave the visitors the 10-6 lead with 1:09 left in the quarter.
The Wildcats’ lead remained at four as intermission arrived.
The wet field conditions still made it hard for both offenses to get things going to start the second half.
Both Permian and Plano High were forced to punt on their first possessions of the third quarter as the game remained low scoring.
The Panthers coughed up the ball on their own end of the field and the Wildcats made the hosts pay as defensive lineman Rodney Jones fell on the ball and Plano High took over at the Permian 37 with 3:45 left in the quarter.
The Wildcats, however, weren’t able to make much of the opportunity and were soon forced to punt.
The Panthers retook the lead on a 53-yard touchdown run by Black on the final play of the quarter and Stringer’s PAT made it 13-10.
The Wildcats were unable to come back and the Panthers held on for the season-opening victory.
