PANHANDLE – A packed house at Panthers Stadium had plenty to celebrate Friday night as Panhandle turned Homecoming into a statement victory, downing Dalhart 48-35 for a second consecutive win.
The Panthers (2-1 overall) overwhelmed the Wolves with explosive plays on both sides of the ball, taking home the lopsided win in a game that showcased Panhandle’s big-play ability, dominant defense, and depth.
The Panthers scored on plays of 30, 65, 69, and 50 yards while forcing three interceptions in the second quarter alone, turning a competitive start into a dominating 28-13 halftime lead.
“I think we played really hard and physical,” Panhandle head coach Dane Ashley said “I think they tested some of our younger guys on their assignments, but I love our physicality, and our kids play hard.”
The Panthers established their identity early when Parker Lumpkin ran 30 yards to pay dirt one minute into regulation. Dalhart then answered when Brett Alver split tacklers for a 44-yard rushing touchdown of his own.
Just 17 seconds later, the Panthers answered right back.
Panhandle’s Landen Andrews ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run, to put the Panthers back in front, setting the tone early for what would be a night full of explosive plays.
The Wolves briefly got back on top in the second quarter when Kash Grimsley punched his way in on a two-yard wildcat run, but Panhandles defense changed the momentum quick.
With 6:21 remaining in the half Cooper Brinkley intercepted a Dalhart pass and raced 69 yards for a touchdown, giving the Panthers a statement score on defense.
The Panthers were not finished.
Landen Andrews picked off a second Wolves pass with 5:08 remaining, and Braylyn Lambert added a third interception just two minutes later. Panhandle capitalized on the third takeaway when Lumpkin scored on a four-yard run with little time left in the half to send the Panthers into the break with a 15-point advantage.
“I think people underestimate the power of momentum,” Ashley said “We came up with three big picks and one of them goes for a touchdown, I think that slowed them down a little bit and our defense was able to settle in.”
Dalhart (2-1) continued to battle after halftime when Kaleb Speer connected with Eli Garcia for a 15-yard touchdown to open the third quarter. After a failed two-point conversion try, Panhandle held a 28-19 lead.
Once again, Panhandle answered.
Brinkley took a pitch on a speed-option 50 yards to the house adding another explosive play for the Panthers.
It looked as though Dalhart would take the following kick to the end zone, but a fumble on the Wolves 41-yard line gave Panhandle the ball right back.
It only took 28 seconds for the Panthers to find paydirt when Max Downs dashed 30 yards for a touchdown run, extending their advantage.
Dalhart continued to fight in the fourth quarter when Speers connected with Bay Wing on 11- and 35-yard scores. By then, Panhandle had created too much separation however.
Lumpkin capped off his night cashing in for his third touchdown of the night three yards out with 1:54 remaining.
Brinkley was one of the games biggest difference makers, scoring on both sides of the ball with his 69-yard pick six, his lone rush for 51 yards and a touchdown, and one reception for 28 yards. Lumpkin added 20 carries for 126 yards and three rushing touchdowns, while Landen Andrews added a 65-yard touchdown run and an interception.
Panhandle repeatedly created opportunities with its defense, and capitalized on those opportunities with an offense capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.
“I think people underestimate the power of momentum,” Ashley said “We came up with three big picks and one of them goes for a touchdown, I think that slowed them down a little bit and our defense was able to settle in.”
For the Panthers, the win provided more than success on Homecoming night. It was a statement about their ability to constantly generate explosive plays and respond to adversity while getting contributions throughout the roster.
“They don’t give up; they’re not effected by circumstances or their opponent” Ashley said about his team “They go out there and they play hard. We don’t ask them to be perfect, we ask them to have a perfect effort.”
Dalhart’s Brett Alvar finished a solid night with 127 yards on the ground behind 15 carries and a touchdown. Quarterback Kaleb Speer was 17-of-29 for 241 yards with three touchdowns despite three interceptions.
Panhandle will get a big test next week as they travel to Ropes to face the Eagles. Dalhart will be looking to rebound next week against Liberal, Kan.
Photo gallery by Joe Garcia III:
