Permian head coach Jeff Ellison and defensive coordinator Vance Washington knew all about many of the returning players suiting up for the annual Black-White spring game Thursday at Ratliff Stadium.
It was the younger, less experienced players that they were most curious to see, wondering just who was going to shine in the heat of competition.
When it was over, after kicker Tate Terry converted a 35-yard field goal on the final play of the game to lift the White team to 33-32 victory, some of the questions had answers.
“We got a lot of young kids a lot of reps,” Ellison said. “Some guys stepped up and I was pleased to see that.
“I thought the defense was flying around to the football in the first half and we were moving guys around, putting them in different situations for opportunities. I didn’t like our turnovers, we had five of them and that’s something we need to clean up.”
It was strength versus strength when the teams lined up for the contest.
On the east sideline was the White Team, the offense, featuring returning wide receiver Ja’Quan Richardson and all-state lineman Harris Sewell.
The west sideline was patrolled by the defense, led by defensive back Bryce Woody.
The Black squad dominated the early going, forcing four turnovers in the half. It ran out to a 22-6 lead after one quarter and led 30-6 early in the second quarter.
The White team, led by quarterbacks Hayden Ramage, Jy Solis and Isaac Herrera, began to find a rhythm offensively at that point and slowly worked its way back into the game.
The offense scored on plays of 75 and 48 yards in the second quarter to pull within 12 (30-18) at the break.
The White side continued its improvement after the break with a 3-yard touchdown run by Terron Young.
After the defense earned two points for a another stop in the third quarter, then two more for a stop in the fourth quarter, the White team clawed back within two (32-3o) on Uriel Montoya’s 1-yard plunge into the end zone.
That set up the final drive of the game, led by Herrera, who moved the Panthers’ offense from its own 25 to the Black 18 before timeout was called to set up Terry’s kick.
“I think it was a good game,” Washington said. “We are looking to fill some holes and this game gives guys a chance to step up and some guys did step up tonight.
“So we found some guys that will help us.”
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