Quarterback in a black jersey (number 12) throws a football during a high school game while teammates block nearby on a green turf field. — Canadian quarterback Weston Mitchell looks to throw during a season-opening win against Panhandle on Chris Koetting Field at Wildcats Stadium on Friday night.

CANADIAN – It may have been late August on top of a season opener, however, the Canadian offense was clicking on all cylinders from start to finish as the Wildcats pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back for an impressive 63-38 victory against Panhandle on Chris Koetting Field at Wildcats Stadium on Friday night.

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Canadian (1-0) poured it on with an offensive onslaught that looked geared for October rather than a first game piling up 733 yards of offense.

“I love how we opened up the season and this was a very positive start for our team,” Canadian head football coach Andy Cavalier said. “Panhandle was a great first opponent and a step up from our two scrimmages. We felt good coming in on both sides of the ball, and I liked how the special teams played. We never rattled early even when Panhandle had a lead and I loved to see that. There is still a lot to work on, but this is a good first step.”

Quarterback in black and gold (number 12) throws a football on a sunlit field with a cheering crowd in the stands behind him. — Canadian’s Weston Mitchell threw for 523 yards with six touchdowns against Panhandle.

The Wildcat offensive line and quarterback Weston Mitchell were the difference makers against the Panthers (0-1). The defense also did a solid job for Canadian in the first half forcing two key turnovers to help set the tone.

The two teams traded early touchdowns with the Panthers taking their only lead 7-6 following a Lukas Purcell 67-yard touchdown scamper midway through the opening stanza. From there, the Wildcat offense found their flow and Mitchell went to work as Canadian reeled off 28 unanswered points to take a commanding 34-7 advantage with 5:43 left in the second quarter.

Any time Panhandle tried to gain momentum or made a play, Mitchell always had a quick answer. In the first quarter, Mitchell answered Purcell’s touchdown, taking a designed run call 64-yards to pay dirt that put the Wildcats up 13-7. Moments later on the following possession, Mitchell rolled to his left behind his protection and found a wide open Brooks Wall down the home sideline for a 71-yard pitch and catch making it 20-7 in a hurry.

“I felt like we had some mistakes early that was slowing us down,” Cavalier said. “We then got some big turnovers and the offense found a rhythm. We got the passing game going, and had great protection. That allowed Weston to operate and you see what he can do when that happens.”

Mitchell ended his career night with video game numbers or a fantasy football players dream perforamance. Through the air, the junior gunslinger was outstanding going 25-of-35 for an eye-popping 523 yards with six touchdown passes. Mitchell also showed his awareness outside of the pocket, chewing up the Panthers for 156 yards on the ground on 19 carries for another score.

Football player in black jersey with number 4 runs with ball while defenders in white pursue on a green field. — Canadian receiver Brooks Wall had three touchdown catches against Panhandle on Friday.

Mitchell also found an instant connection with sophomore receiver Brooks Wall. Wall, the son of Canadian head coach, Brandon, gave the Panther secondary fits most of the night finishing with eight catches for 254 yards and three TDs.

“Weston brings a level headed prospective and he is a such a competitor,” Cavalier said. “He does a lot well as a passer and he has great pocket presence to take off when he needs to. He had a heck of a game and his teammates were great around him. Weston is the type of guy that knows he can’t do this by himself.”

Canadian running back Chris Flores rushed for 40 yards and a score, but showed his versatility with seven catches for 100 yards and a receiving touchdown. Panhandle’s Purcell paved the way for the Panthers running for 182 yards with a pair of TDs. Receiver Braylyn Lambert had 62 yards receiving and two scores.

Next up

Canadian makes its first road trip of the 2026 season for a showdown at Bushland. Panhandle hopes to bounce back in its home opener hosting marquee matchup against Stratford.