Odessa High got the stop it needed to start the second half against Permian.
Trailing by just six after the break against their crosstown rivals, the Bronchos forced the Panthers into a three-and-out to open the third quarter, taking over after a punt at their own 29.
Odessa High then proceeded to move the ball down to the Permian 30 and had the Panthers’ defense on its heels.
In an instant, everything changed.
Permian’s defense stripped the ball from running back Javonte Delce, recovering the fumble at the Panthers’ 24 with 7:49 remaining in the third quarter.
Just over three minutes later, Permian quarterback Rodney Hall made the Bronchos pay for the mistake, capping the 76-yard drive with a 14-yard scoring run to give Permian a double-digit lead.
The Bronchos never recovered and watched Permian race away to a 48-29 victory.
It was the eighth straight win for the Panthers (5-2 overall, 2-1 in District 2-6A) in the series.
Odessa High falls to 3-4, 1-2.
The Bronchos had numerous tackling issues on the night, allowing the Panthers to continue drives with several big plays.
Odessa High also was penalized eight times for 85 yards, while Permian was flagged nine times for 105 yards.
Both teams had several penalties waved off, as well.
Diego Cervantes finished the night 26-of-39 passing for 349 yards and three touchdowns for Odessa High, with two second-half interceptions.
After watching Cervantes carve up the Permian defense in the first half, the Panthers allowed just 55 yards through the air in the second half.
Ivan Carreon caught seven passes for 107 yards and one touchdown.
Terrance Samuel finished with seven receptions for 70 yards and one score.
Delce caught one pass for a 75-yard touchdown.
>> Follow Lee Scheide on Twitter at @OALeeScheide
