jr. pro panthers fall to burns

Contributed by Ron Slay

On September 21st, the Lewis County Junior Pro Panthers were handed a decisive sweep by the Burns County Cowboys in all three games, played on the Lewis County Middle School field. Despite demonstrating resilience, the Panthers were unable to counter the Cowboys' relentless offensive attack, resulting in defeats for both the MINORS and MAJORS. The PEE-WEE team showed promise by keeping their game competitive, but ultimately falling short.

PEE-WEES

The PEE-WEES led by Head Coach Tommy Clark were defeated 14-0 by the Cowboys, bringing their season record to 2-3. The team captains for the game were Tobias Kvapil, Logan Morris, and Tatum Perez.

Despite promising offensive drives, the Panthers were unable to score. Leading the rushing attack was Steele Carroll, followed by Buster Launius and Weston Flowers.

Defensively, Carroll had a standout performance with eight tackles, a forced fumble resulting in a turnover. Logan Morris also had a notable game with several tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Tatum Perez, Grayson Morris, and Sam Launius also made significant contributions to the defense. Launius notably stopped the Burns RB short of the end zone on two consecutive plays, resulting in a turnover on downs. Dawsynn Collins, Micah Conforti, Kingsley Beard, and Weston Flowers also made several tackles each.

MINORS

The Panthers Led by Head Coach Justin Clark endured a crushing 46-0 defeat, with their offense unable to score any points dropping their record to 0-5. Team captains for the game were Hunter Loftis, Travis Vaughan, Landyn Stanger and Levi James.

Jax Kvapil spearheaded the rushing attack for the offense, with assistance from Landyn Stanger, Travis Vaughan, and Bentley Hensley.

On defense, Landyn Stanger intercepted the Burns quarterback stopping a drive short of the end zone, while Holdyn Clark, Jax Kvapil, Ayden James, James Ward, and Bentley Hensley made significant tackles.

Bentley Hensley also had an impressive kickoff return, with Travis Vaughan, Ayden James, and Jax Kvapil contributing positive yardage on special teams.

MAJORS

Led by Head Coach Jax Simanson, the Major Panthers suffered a 44-0 defeat at the hands of Burns, bringing their season record to 1-4.

The team struggled to generate any offensive momentum, with Elijah Davis managing 40 yards on the ground and Corey Simanson and Ayden Stanger adding 12 and 8 yards, respectively. Quarterback Ayden Stanger did connect with Donavin James on an impressive pass play.

Defensively, Mayben Clower and Ayden Stanger led the team in tackles, while Brixyn Prieur recovered a Burns fumble. Remington Potts, Elijah Davis, Brayden Downs, Donavin James, Connor Tharp, and Jacob Mathes also contributed tackles.

In the special teams department, Brayden Downs, Alexavier Burlison, Corey Simanson, and Mayben Clower performed well in kickoff returns.

On September 28th, the Junior Pro Panthers will travel to meet the Mt. Pleasant Tigers, with the first game starting at 5 p.m. Come out and support the future of Lewis County Football. GO PANTHERS!