It’s the game that football fans in Odessa circle on the calendar when the schedules are released each season.
Permian versus Odessa High.
And it’s been everywhere in the District 2-6A schedule … opening game, penultimate contest, middle of the road, etc.
This year, it’s the district opener for the Panthers and Bronchos, which possibly is the silver lining for both teams.
Depending on the outcome, one team is in great shape for a run toward a district title.
The other still has four games remaining to make a charge at a playoff spot.
The Panthers are clicking on both sides of the football heading into the matchup.
Led by quarterback Rodney Hall, they are averaging 333 yards per game (176.8 rushing, 155.8 passing).
Defensively, they are averaging 60 tackles a game, including 12 tackles for loss in each contest, the defensive line creating havoc from hash mark to hash mark, allowing the linebackers and defensive backs the freedom to go sideline to sideline.
Permian has created 14 turnovers (six interception, eight fumble recoveries) and knocked down 19 other passes.
The Panthers’ defenders are going to be busy against the Bronchos, who came into the game completing nearly 70 percent of their passes and average 291.4 yards through the air each contest.
>> KEY MATCHUP: Permian defensive back Bryce Woody against Odessa High wide receiver Ivan Carreron.
Carreon, at 6-foot-6, presents matchup problems for almost everyone one he goes against.
Woody, at 6-foot-4, gives the Panthers a chance to defend the jump balls that Carreon more often than not comes down with.
>> CLOSING IN: Hall has been on the field for 27 games for the Panthers since his sophomore season (2020).
The first year was in a backup role to Harper Terry, while last year was his first full year at the helm of the program.
Hall threw for two touchdowns in limited playing time as a sophomore and then tossed 18 during the 2021 season.
He has 10 through five games this year as the Panthers battled through some offensive struggles early in the season.
Still, Hall is within shouting distance of a career mark for the Panthers’ program.
Vic Vines (1977-78) and Mike Winchell (1987-88) both finished their time at Permian with 34 career touchdown passes.
Hall, with 30 to his credit right now, should, if everything goes well, set a new mark during the next five weeks of District 2-6A play.
>> LOWER LEVELS: After a week off, the Panthers’ freshmen and junior varsity teams face crosstown rival Odessa High Thursday at Ratliff Stadium.
The freshmen will play on the South fields, with the Freshmen White squad facing the Bronchos at 5 p.m., followed by the Freshman Black at 6:30 p.m.
The JV White squad takes to the Ratliff Stadium turf at 5 p.m., with the JV Black following at 6:30 p.m.
>> Follow Lee Scheide on Twitter at @OALeeScheide
PERMIAN AT ODESSA HIGH
>> When: 7 p.m. Friday.
>> Where: Ratliff Stadium.
>> Last Season: Permian 48, Odessa High 29.
>> Series: Permian leads 52-10-1.
>> Records: Permian 5-0, 0-0; Odessa High 3-2, 0-0.
>> Radio: KMCM (FM-96.9); KHKX (FM-99.1)
>> Live Updates: Follow on Twitter at @OALeeScheide; @OA_SameerMalla
