New Caney's quick start was too much for Caney Creek football

The Caney Creek Panthers squared off against the New Caney Eagles Friday night in their first divisional matchup of the 2017 season.

The Eagles offense would get off to a quick start in this one, putting up 21 points on the board before the midway point of the second quarter. Quarterback #10 Jordan Cooper led the way, finding the end zone on a quarterback draw on the first drive of the game.

Defensive back #2 Dwight McGlothern brought the score to 14-0 after an explosive punt return starting back at his own 35-yard-line.

On the following drive, Cooper found wide receiver Ty Warwick on three consecutive throws. The first two were quick screens just outside the numbers. Then, Cooper hit Warwick for a wide open touchdown on a post route, bringing the score to 21-0.

Early in the game, it seemed the Panthers would not be able to put up a single point against a stout Eagles defense. However, late in the second quarter Caney Creek seemed to find the answer to their offensive woes: Gabe Garcia. Garcia is a big back with a lot of power, who loves to make contact with defenders and fight for extra yards. The first score of the night for the Panthers came off a hard run from Garcia from 10 yards out.

On the next drive, just before halftime, Garcia would show his true toughness, carrying the ball over 14 times on a single drive. After lulling the defense to sleep with run after run, Panthers Coach Steve Svendsen cleverly called a play-action pass on the goal line, setting up an easy touchdown pass for Hernandez. Going into the half, the Panthers would manage to bring themselves within one score at 21-14.

Late in the third quarter Eagles line backer A.J. Skero, #3, set up his offense with great field position after a recovered fumble in Panthers territory. Runningback #24 Sam Jones would punch it in from the one-yard-line three plays later, putting the Eagles up 28-14.

Just before the end of the third quarter Cooper went down, clutching his left leg. Kendall Goolsby, #11, would finish the game at quarterback for the Eagles.

To open the fourth quarter, Hernandez came out firing. Wide receiver #2, Brandon Carpio pulled in two receptions on the drive on a pair of quick slants. Hernandez’s most impressive throw of the night, however, went to #14 Dylan Trotter, wide open on a post route for a 22 yard gain. Trotter would end the drive with a catch in the back of the end zone. After a failed two-point conversion attempt, the Panthers trailed 28-20.

At just over six minutes left in the game, Panthers #8 Ulises Villantes, laid a monster hit on Norsworthy, causing a fumble, which was recovered and taken in for the score by defensive linemen #55, David Alsip.

The Eagles would respond on the following drive with Jones’s second touchdown run of the night.

On the Panthers final drive of the night, Eagles McGlothern intercepted Hernandez a returned it 48 yards to the house, effectively ending the game, putting the final score at 40-26.

The first divisional game of the season did not disappoint, with both teams looking sharp and competitive. If the rest of the season reflects this game, Caney Creek will be an entertaining team to watch. The Panthers take on Barbers Hill on the road next week September 29th at 7:00 p.m.