GAME ARTICLES
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PERMIAN FALLS TO DESOTO IN SEASON OPENER
AUGUST 30th- MOJO’s season-opener in the Metroplex did not quite go the way the Panthers had hoped as they were dealt a 35-14 loss to the DeSoto Eagles Friday at Eagle Stadium.
DeSoto would jump out to a quick 14 point lead in the first quarter. The Eagles opened the game with a nine-play, 74 yard drive capped by a three yard touchdown run with 8:32 left in the first quarter. Then on the Panthers opening possession, DeSoto grabbed a bobbled snap in mid-air and returned it for a second touchdown just 10 seconds after the first score.
Alex Rose scored Permian’s first touchdown of the night on an 18-yard reverse with 4:28 remaining in the first quarter to cut the Eagles’ lead in half.
The score was set up after Kayden Baze managed to recover a muffed punt by the Eagles, with Permian taking over at DeSoto’s 24-yard line. Rose scored four plays later.
The Eagles’ added a third touchdown in the third quarter, this one on a 40-yard pass and DeSoto’s lead was doubled with 3:31 left in the first quarter.
After another stalled drive by the Panthers, DeSoto drove 94 yards in 15 plays capped by a three yard touchdown run with 6:34 remaining in the first half. The teams went into the halftime break with the Eagles on top 28-7
While both teams managed to find the end zone in the first half, the second half began on a more defensive tone. Neither team managed to find the end zone in the third quarter. But the Eagles were not to be denied the entire second half, finding the end zone on a seven yard scoring pass with 2:15 left in the game.
The Panthers responded with a 70-yard touchdown drive as Harper Terry busted up the middle for a 55-yard touchdown run with under a minute remaining in the game. Final score DeSoto 35, Permian 14.
Malachi Medlock led all rushers with 131 yards. Harper Terry rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown. Alex Rose scored the other TD for MOJO.
On Thursday the MOJO underclassmen went 3-1 against Midland Lee. JV Black defeated Midland Lee 42-21, while the White Team dropped their game 21-6. Freshman Black won their game 22-14, with Freshman White winning 14-6 over the Rebels.
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SEPTEMBER 5th- The Permian Panthers fell to 0-2 on the season after their 49-28 loss to El Paso Franklin Thursday night at Ratliff Stadium. Playing in their home opener of the 2019 season, the Panthers spent the entire game playing from behind.
The Cougars wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard with a 10-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 6-yard run with 5:50 left in the first quarter.
MOJO managed to respond quickly with a 74-yard touchdown pass from Harper Terry to Amarion Garrett on a one-play, 14-second scoring drive, and the game was tied up in the opening quarter.
But the Franklin offense would not be slowed down as senior quarterback Danny Walther found the end zone on a 10-yard keeper to retake the lead at 14-7.
The Panthers tried to answer, but Franklin’s lead stayed at seven at the end of the opening stanza as kicker Carson Roberts missed a 32-yard attempt wide left with three seconds left in the first quarter.
Franklin responded with a 22-yard touchdown pass with 7:05 left in the second quarter to extend the Cougars’ advantage to 21-7.
Malachi Medlock made it 21-14 with an 8-yard touchdown run, capping a 44 yard drive with 1:00 left before the half.
That was enough time for Franklin to respond, scoring on with 24-yard touchdown reception with 33 seconds left in the half. MOJO went into the halftime break down 28-14.
The second half found both teams trading touchdowns. Neri Carrasco scored for the Panthers on receptions of 14 and 27 yards. But it wasn't enough as Franklin managed to stay in front, and a 6-yard touchdown reception with 1:11 left in the game gave the Cougars a 49-28 victory.
Harper Terry passed for 208 yards on 24 attempts, and led the Panthers on the ground with 51 yards on six carries. Nate Arredondo added 30 yards on the ground, with Malachi Medlock and Amarion Garrett adding 26 and 25 yards respectively. Garrett led all receivers with 119 yards and a score. Carrasco added 55 yards and two touchdowns. The loss drops Permian to 0-2.
On Wednesday the Permian underclassmen went 3-1 against Frenship. JV Black defeated Frenship 14-7, while the White Team lost 28-8. Freshman Black posted a 36-16 victory, and Freshman White won their game 24-0.
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EL PASO FRANKLIN FOILS PERMIAN HOME OPENER
SEPTEMBER 13th- Looking for their first win of the season, the Permian Panthers were instead handed a 48-7 loss to the 6th-ranked Southlake Carroll Dragons Friday night at Ratliff Stadium.
Permian (0-3) entered the game hoping to get revenge on the Dragons after last year’s 24-20 loss at Southlake. The visitors had other ideas, keeping their unbeaten start to the season intact. In the end MOJO was left still looking for their first win of the 2019 season.
Like the game in Southlake in 2018, Mother Nature affected the game. Multiple lightning delays forced the game’s kickoff to be delayed by nearly an hour.
The Dragons got going on their initial drive with a 32-yard field goal with 4:33 left in the first quarter. The Permian offense would sputter, but the Panthers managed to hold the Southlake Carroll lead by the same 3-0 margin as the defense kept the high-powered Dragon offense out of the endzone.
Unlike the slow first quarter Southlake Carroll scored in bunches in the second period, putting up four touchdowns to pull away from the Panthers.
The onslaught started with a 23-yard touchdown scamper by the Dragons quarterback Brandon Ewers to extend their lead to 10-0. The sophomore signal caller then got it going through the air, throwing three touchdown passes to three different receivers.
The first strike came on a 45-yard pass with 8:01 left in the first half. Ewers connected with Brady Boyd on the ensuing Dragon possession for a 56-yard touchdown with 4:23 left in the half. Willis Meyer got his turn as the half was ending, hauling in a 19-yard reception in the endzone. MOJO went into the break on the wrong side of a 31-0 score.
After receiving the second half kick the Dragons picked up right where they left off as Ewers threw his fourth touchdown pass of the night, finding John Manero in the endzone from 26 yards out. Ewers stayed on the ground to find the end zone again, scoring on a 2-yard run late in the third quarter.
MOJO finally got something going in the fourth quarter, with Alex Rose capping a nine play, 77 yard drive with a 13 yard touchdown run. The Dragons would score the final points of the night with a 31 yard field goal. The game ended with Southlake Carroll on top 48-7.
Alex Rose led Permian rushers with 43 yards on five carries. Harper Terry contributed 34 yards on the ground, and Terran Limuel had five carries for 26 yards. Terry completed 4 of 10 passes for 12 yards. The loss drops Permian to 0-3 on the year.
On Thursday the MOJO subvarsity teams swept their Midland High counterparts. JV Black 27, Midland 14; JV White 20, Midland 14; Freshman Black 32, Midland 8; Freshman White 38, Midland 0.
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SOUTHLAKE CARROLL DRAGONS TORCH THE PANTHERS
PERMIAN POUNDS PALM DESERT FOR HOMECOMING WIN
SEPTEMBER 20th- The Permian Panthers posted their first victory of the season with a 47-14 win over the Palm Desert (CA) Aztecs Friday at Ratliff Stadium.
As was the case last week the game was delayed for an hour due to thunderstorms in the area. Once the rain delay passed, both teams wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard.
MOJO struck first, capping an eleven play drive with a field goal by Carson Roberts. On the ensuing Aztecs possession, Permian added two more points on a safety after a punt attempt ended with the Palm Desert punter being tackled in the end zone. MOJO was up 5-0 midway through the first.
Palm Desert bounced back quickly. After recovering a fumble in Permian territory, it only took one play for the Aztecs to score on a 41 yard run. The PAT made the score Aztecs 7, Panthers 5 after one period.
The Panthers struck back on their next possession. After a long pass to Alex Rose got Permian down to the Aztecs 13, Malachi Medlock bulled his way into the endzone for his first of three touchdowns. Permian was up 12-7 early in the second quarter.
The MOJO defense got into the act on the next Aztecs possession. Senior linebacker Mark Samaniego scooped up a fumble and returned it 12 yards for another touchdown, making the score 19-7 Panthers. After another defensive stand, the Permian offense kept things going their way as Harper Terry added a one-yard touchdown run to build a 26-7 lead.
The Aztecs responded on their next possession, hitting paydirt on an eight yard touchdown run. The score brought Palm Desert back to within two scores at 26-14 with 1:23 left in the first half.
The Permian offense had one more answer before the half. Terry led MOJO on a seven-play, 46-yard drive in 54 seconds that was helped in part by a 19-yard run by Terry. The drive was capped off by a two-yard touchdown run by Medlock to give the Panthers a 33-14 lead going into the halftime break.
The second half was much like the first for MOJO. Medlock and Terry each added rushing touchdowns in the third period to add to the Panthers advantage. Neither team scored in the fourth as both teams gave backups some valuable playing time. Final score Permian 47, Palm Desert 14.
Malachi Medlock led all rushers with 118 yards rushing on 17 carries. Terran Limuel had 46 yards on three carries. Harper Terry added 162 yards of total offense. Alex Rose led all receivers with 63 yards on two receptions. The win gives MOJO a 1-3 non-district record.
On Wednesday the Permian subvarsity teams went 3-1 against their Odessa High counterparts. JV Black 48, OHS 8; OHS 16, JV White 0; Freshman Black 46, OHS 0; Freshman White 38, OHS 0.
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PERMIAN PLUCKS THE LOS FRESNOS FALCONS
SEPTEMBER 27th- MOJO notched their second win in a row with a dominating 56-14 victory over the Los Fresnos Falcons on Friday night at Ratliff Stadium.
Playing their last predistrict game before heading into the district open week, the Panthers erased an early deficit to take a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. MOJO scored 28 points in the second quarter to put the game away by halftime.
The Falcons stunned the Permian faithful with a 55-yard touchdown run on their first drive of the game. The PAT gave Los Fresnos a 7-0 lead with 10:16 left in the opening quarter.
MOJO had a quick response. Harper Terry hit Alex Rose with a quick pass and run for 45 yards. Terry then connected with Terran Limuel on a 21 yard touchdown pass with 9:18 left in the quarter.
After a three-and-out from the Black Attack defense and a blocked punt by Teo Banks the Panthers hit paydirt again, with Alex Rose hauling in a 13-yard pass for another touchdown. The first quarter ended with MOJO on top 14-7.
MOJO would open things up in the second quarter. Neri Carrasco scored on a 40-yard touchdown reception to increase the Panthers lead to 21-7. Amarion Garrett got into the act on the next Permian possession with a 37-yard touchdown reception to extend the lead to 28-7 with 7:38 remaining in the second quarter.
On the following drive Malachi Medlock scored from nine yards out late in the first half, giving the Panthers a 35-7 lead with 2:49 left in the second quarter. After another three-and-out by Los Fresnos, Terry got into the endzone on the ground, running in untouched from 48 yards out to give the Panthers a 42-7 advantage going into the halftime break.
MOJO began the second half the same way they ended the first. Terry capped an eight play, 70 yard drive with a 14 yard touchdown run. On the next Panther possession, Medlock scored his second TD of the night on an eight yard run with 2:34 left in the third quarter. Los Fresnos would end the scoring with a short touchdown run with 6:24 left in the game. Final score Permian 56, Los Fresnos 14.
Harper Terry had a career night, going 9-of-11 for 194 yards and four touchdowns through the air to go along with 79 yards and two TDs on the ground. Malachi Medlock added 72 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Alex Rose led all receivers with 75 yards and a score. The win gives MOJO a 2-3 record.
On Thursday the MOJO subvarsity teams went 3-1 against Amarillo Tascosa. JV Black 25, Tascosa 7; Tascosa 26, JV White 6; Freshman Black 14, Tascosa 8; Freshman White 26, Tascosa 12.
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PERMIAN PANTHERS BLANK THE BRONCHOS
OCTOBER 11th- The Permian Panthers opened District 2-6A play with a 24-0 shutout victory over the Odessa Bronchos.
For most of the first half, the Rumble at Ratliff was shaping up to be a defensive struggle. Both teams started slowly on offense with the Bronchos fumbling the ball away on the second play of the game, and MOJO taking over possession in Broncho territory.
Senior quarterback Easton Hernandez- making his first start in nearly five weeks- opened the game with three straight incompletions, and the Panthers were forced to punt.
Permian would get on the board on their next possession. After a Kayden Baze interception, Carson Roberts connected on a 32-yard field goal midway through the first quarter to give MOJO a 3-0 lead.
Meanwhile, the Bronchos still couldn’t establish a rhythm on offense as MOJO's Black Attack defense swarmed to the ball.
The turning point in the game came late in the first half when Odessa High was unable to connect on two wide-open passes that could have been touchdowns.
After receiving the ensuing Bronchos punt, the combination of Hernandez and running back Malachi Medlock got going. Medlock busted down the Permian sideline on a 30 yard romp, then capped off the six-play drive with a 20-yard touchdown run. The Roberts PAT gave MOJO a 10-0 lead with three minutes remaining in the half.
The Bronchos had one last chance to score before halftime, but Dashavion Williams picked off a pass and returned it 42 yards to the Odessa 23.
Hernandez got his first rushing touchdown of the season three plays later, bobbing and weaving his way in from 17 yards. The Panthers went into the halftime break on top 17-0.
The second half was more of the same for MOJO. Medlock would leave the game due to an injury on the first possession of the third quarter, but the Panthers didn't skip a beat. Bra’dyn Brooks-Smith came in to relieve Medlock and delivered the knockout blow, scoring on a 43-yard touchdown scamper midway through the third quarter.
The MOJO defense put the exclamation point on the shutout with a second interception from Baze. The third quarter ended with MOJO on top 24-0.
Neither team would score in a penalty prone fourth period, and the game came to an end with the final score Permian Panthers 24, Odessa Bronchos 0.
Malachi Medlock led all rushers with 104 yards and a touchdown. Bra'den Brooks-Smith added 85 yards and a score. Easton Hernandez rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the Panthers finished with 328 yards on the ground. Defensively the Panthers held the Bronchos to 112 total yards and forced four turnovers. The win gives MOJO a 1-0 record in District 2-6A (3-3 overall).
On Thursday the Permian subvarsity teams went 3-1 vs their OHS counterparts. JV Black 28, OHS 6; OHS 26, JV White 22; Freshman Black 32, OHS 0; Freshman White 16, OHS 0.
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PERMIAN PANTHERS TAKE DOWN TASCOSA REBELS
OCTOBER 18th- The Permian Panthers remained perfect in District 2-6A with their 35-27 victory over the Amarillo Tascosa Rebels.
The Rebels, who made a run to the 6A-Division II state semifinals last year, came into the game as a clear favorite. But the Panthers sent a message that said the rumors of MOJO's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Permian won the toss but elected to defer to the second half. Tascosa wasted little time on offense, scoring on an 11-play, 75-yard drive. The PAT bounced off the upright, but the Rebels held an early 6-0 lead.
The Panthers had a very quick reply. Quarterback Easton Hernandez busted loose for a 41 yard gain to get the Panthers in scoring position. Malachi Medlock finished the drive with a nine yard burst up the middle. Carson Roberts was good on the PAT, and MOJO took a lead that they wouldn’t give up for the rest of the game.
Permian’s offense took advantage of a defensive stop to increase their lead with their next possession. Alex Rose capped a five-play, 44-yard drive with a nine yard touchdown run to give the Panthers a 14-6 lead with 3:22 remaining in the period.
Tascosa’s outstanding quarterback Joseph Plunk- the head coach's son- proved just how much of a force he can be on the next Rebel possession. Calling his own number, the senior signal caller scored on a 75-yard dash to the end zone. The score cut the Panthers to 14-13.
Permian would answer as the first quarter came to a close. Hernandez found the end zone from five yards out to make the score 21-13 Permian at the end of the first quarter.
The Black Attack defense got another big stop to begin the second quarter, forcing the Rebels to punt again. Chase Stell delivered a 51 yard punt return to give the Panthers great field position. Six plays later Hernandez would score his second touchdown of the game, this one from four yards out. MOJO went into the locker room with a 28-13 halftime lead.
Tascosa struck at the start of the second half, putting together an eight-play, 71-yard drive with 6:02 left in the quarter. Meanwhile the Panthers were sputtering on offense, going three-and-out on their first two possessions of the second half. The third quarter ended with MOJO hanging on to a 28-20 lead.
The Permian offense regained its form in the final period, putting together a 12-play, 80 yard scoring drive that melted five minutes off the clock. The Roberts PAT gave Permian a 35-20 lead with 7:16 remaining in the game.
The Rebels would not go away quietly however, scoring quickly on a 75 yard drive to make the score 35-27 with 5:21 remaining.
The Panthers hoped to run the ball and run out the clock but were unable to convert a third down with under a minute remaining. Carson Roberts came through with a huge punt, pinning the Rebels deep in their own territory. The defense then stymied Tascosa's final attempt to tie the game, and the Panthers came away with the 35-27 victory.
Easton Hernandez led Permian with 149 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Malachi Medlack tallied 139 yards and two scores on 22 carries. Alex Rose added 29 yards and a score. The win gives MOJO a 2-0 district record (4-3 overall).
On Thursday the Permian JV Black squad suffered their first loss of the season, 7-6 to Tascosa JV Black. Freshman Black defeated Tascosa 28-0, with the Freshman White team winning 26-6.
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PERMIAN PANTHERS POUND THE BULLDOGS
OCTOBER 25th- The Permian Panthers clinched a playoff spot with a 62-0 victory over the Midland Bulldogs Friday at Grande Communications Stadium.
Coming off a big 35-27 win over Amarillo Tascosa and riding a four game winning streak, MOJO made sure there was no letdown in their District 2-6A game with Midland.
It didn’t take the Panthers long to get things going. After forcing a quick three-and-out by the Bulldogs, MOJO put together a methodical nine play drive capped by a four yard touchdown run by Easton Hernandez. The PAT made the score Permian 7, Midland 0 early in the first quarter.
A fumble by the Bulldogs on the ensuing possession was recovered by the Panthers deep in Midland territory. MOJO cashed in the gift six plays later when Malachi Medlock found the end zone from three yards out. The Carson Roberts PAT made it 14-0 with 3:02 remaining in the first period.
Things only got worse for the Bulldogs on their next possession. Teo Banks stepped in front of a screen pass and waltzed into the endzone from 12 yards out. 21-0 Panthers.
After another three-and-out and short punt by the Bulldogs, the Panthers needed only one play to score again. Terran Limuel broke free for a 27 yard touchdown run with two seconds left in the first quarter. The period ended with MOJO on top 28-0.
The onslaught continued in the second quarter. Hernandez scored his second TD of the game, capping a six play, 69 yard drive with a 13 yard touchdown run. Amarion Garrett got his first rushing touchdown of the season on the next Permian possession, capping a seven play, 61 yard drive with a four yard touchdown on a toss sweep.
Brian Mahaffey scored on a three yard carry late in the first half to give the Panthers a 49-0 lead going into the break. The Black Attack defense held the Bulldogs to no first downs in the entire first half.
With a comfortable lead the Panthers were able to rest most of the starters throughout the second half, giving their backups valuable playing time.
Carson Roberts kicked a 40 yard field goal on the Permian's first drive of the second half, extending the lead to 52-0 with 9:49 remaining in the third quarter.
Continuing where they left off in the first half, Midland would suffer another miscue on their next possession. A fumble on the Bulldog 20 yard line was scooped up and returned by sophomore CB Corey McCoy, giving the Black Attack their second touchdown of the night to make the score 59-0 in favor of the Panthers.
The Bulldogs finally posted a first down on the second possession of the third quarter, only to give the ball back to the Panthers. Chase Stell grabbed his first interception of the night to end the scoring threat. The Panthers produced points on the ensuing drive as Roberts drilled a 43 yard field goal as the third period ended. With neither team able to score in the fourth quarter, the game ended with the Panthers on top 62-0.
Easton Hernandez led all rushers with 129 yards and two scores on 12 carries. Bra'Dyn Brooks-Smith added 63 yards. Amarion Garrett and Brian Mahaffey combined for two receptions for 71 yards. Defensively, Teo Banks and Chase Stell had interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. The Black Attack also recovered two fumbles with one score. The 62 points scored set a new record vs the Bulldogs (old record 59-0 in 2015). The win gives the Panthers a 3-0 record in District 2-6A (5-3 overall).
On Thursday the Permian subvarsity teams swept their Midland counterparts. JV Black 47, Midland 14; JV White 28, Midland 14; Freshman Black 22, Midland 6; Freshman White 40, Midland 22.
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PERMIAN PANTHERS FALL TO FRENSHIP
NOVEMBER 1st- The Permian Panthers saw their five game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the Frenship Tigers on Friday, falling 24-13 at Peoples Bank Stadium in Wolfforth.
Coming into the game MOJO hoped to play well from the start, which hasn't always been the case in Wolfforth. Unfortunately it wouldn't be very long before the Panthers found themselves in trouble.
On a third down on the opening drive it appeared the Tigers jumped offsides, prompting MOJO to snap the ball. But the infraction was missed, and Permian had to punt.
After the punt the defense had trouble containing the Tigers’ explosive offense. Frenship used a six-play, 58 yard drive that was capped by a 29-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers on the board with 8:02 left in the first quarter.
Permian’s offense tried to get something going on their next possession but Easton Hernandez was sacked on fourth down, forcing the Panthers to turn the ball over on downs.
Frenship’s offense managed to work the ball down field quickly but the Black Attack defense stiffened, forcing the Tigers to settle for a 25-yard fieldgoal. The kick extended the Tigers’ lead to 10-0 with 1:59 left in the first quarter.
MOJO managed to get something going on its next drive, resulting in a 33-yard field goal by Carson Roberts. The score was 10-3 Frenship with 8:44 left in the first half.
Frenship missed a field goal on their next possession, but it didn’t take long for them to get the ball back. A deflected Permian pass was picked off and returned to the Permian one yard line. The Tigers punched it in to the end zone to build a 17-3 lead.
Permian punted the ball again on its next drive, and Frenship struck quickly with a 44-yard touchdown pass to build a 24-3 lead at the half.
Permian managed to respond in the second half with another 33-yard field goal from Roberts late in the third quarter and on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Harper Terry to Terran Limuel with 6:01 remaining in the game.
But Permian’s momentum would run out as the Tigers managed to keep the ball away from the Panthers and drain the remaining time off the clock. Final score Frenship 24, Permian 13.
The loss drops Permian to 5-4 on the season, 3-1 in District 2-6A. Frenship sits at 7-2, 3-1. In spite of the loss the Panthers can still grab a share of the District 2-6A title with a win vs Midland Lee.
Malachi Medlock led all rushers with 104 yards on 22 carries. Easton Hernandez added 47 yards, with Harper Terry contributing 39 yards on eight carries. Terran Limuel made the one pass completion for 42 yards and a TD.
On Thursday the Permian subvarsity team split their games with Frenship. Frenship 14, MOJO JV Black 0. Frenship 20, MOJO JV White 14. MOJO Freshman Black 26, Frenship 7. MOJO Freshman White 40, Frenship 15.
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PERMIAN TAKES DISTRICT TITLE FROM MIDLAND LEE
NOVEMBER 8th- The Permian Panthers knocked their old rivals Midland Lee from the unbeaten ranks and grabbed the District 2-6A championship on Friday in the Rivalry at Ratliff.
The result gives Permian the district’s number one seed in the Class 6A Division I bracket and the right to host its bi-district game against El Paso Franklin at Ratliff Stadium.
The Panthers received the opening kick but got off to a slow start as they were forced to punt on their opening drive of the game.
The Rebels on the other hand didn’t waste any time getting their offense rolling, putting together a six-play, 73-yard scoring drive capped off by a seven yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt by was no good, giving the Rebels a 6-0 lead with 8:23 left in the first quarter.
MOJO managed to find their footing on the second offensive series of the night. The Panthers drove 75 yards down the field in 12 plays, capped off with an 18 yard touchdown on a perfectly executed double reverse pass play from Alex Rose to quarterback Easton Hernandez. The Carson Roberts PAT gave Permian a 7-6 lead.
The Black Attack defense managed to force the Rebels to go punt as the first quarter came to a close. The Panthers took advantage of the Rebels’ three-and-out, going on a five-play, 81-yard scoring drive. Hernandez connected with Terran Limuel in the back of the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown, giving the Panthers a 14-6 lead with 11:09 left in the second quarter.
Lee’s offense had a quick response with a touchdown pass on their ensuing drive. But PAT troubles continued as Lee missed the extra point again, trailing 14-12 with 9:28 left in the second quarter.
Permian managed to milk time off the clock and increase their lead on of its next drive. Malachi Medlock scored on a three yard run to give the Panthers a 21-12 lead with 3:58 remaining in the first half. The drive burned more than six minutes off the clock as MOJO drove 65 yards in 11 plays.
The Lee offense put together its third scoring drive of the night, scoring on a one yard run to cap a six play drive that covered 80 yards. The Rebels attempted a two point conversion to make it a one-point game but came up short, leaving Permian with a 21-18 lead at the half.
Receiving the second half kick, the Rebels got the lead back with a 14 play, 82 yard scoring drive. The successful PAT gave Lee a 25-21 lead.
Hernandez stunned the Rebels on the next Permian possession. Faking a pitch to the right side, Hernandez wheeled and took off right up the middle of the Rebel defense to score from 60 yards out. Roberts hit the PAT to regain the lead for MOJO 28-25.
The Panthers stretched the lead to 10 points a few minutes later, with Hernandez hitting Amarion Garrett on a 45 yard pass down to the Rebel's one yard line. Hernandez finished the drive with a touchdown run on the next play to increase the lead to 35-25 MOJO going into the fourth quarter.
The Rebels scored on a one yard touchdown run with 10:08 left in the game to pull to within three points at 35-32. MOJO answered with another clock draining drive, with Hernandez scoring on a 27 yard run for a 42-32 advantage with 2:12 left in the game.
But the Rebels would not go quietly, scoring in less than a minute on a 16-yard pass with 1:29 left. The Rebels lined up for an onside kick and came close to recovering, but the Lee defender grabbed the ball before it had gone the necessary 10 yards.
The Rebels had one last chance when Permian was forced to punt with 23 seconds remaining. But Lee’s desperation Nail Mary pass as time expired fell incomplete, and the Permian celebration began. Final score MOJO 42, Midland Lee 39.
Easton Hernandez led all rushers with 149 yards and three touchdowns. Terran Limuel added 55 yards on six carries, with Alex Rose gaining 41 yards on the ground. Hernandez completed eight passes for 142 yards and a touchdown to Limuel. Rose also threw for a touchdown. Amarion Garret was the leading receiver with three ctaches for 66 yards. The win gives MOJO a 4-1 record in district (6-4 overall) and a share of the district title.
On Thursday the MOJO subvarsity teams swept their Midland Lee counterparts. MOJO JV Black 26, Lee 21; MOJO JV White 14, Lee 3; MOJO Freshman Black 47, Lee 7; MOJO Freshman White 18, Lee 16.
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MOJO MANHANDLES EL PASO FRANKLIN
NOVEMBER 15th- The Permian Panthers are moving on to the Area round of the Class 6A Division I playoffs after their 48-13 win over the El Paso Franklin Cougars. With the win MOJO avenged an earlier loss to the Cougars in Week Two of the season.
Franklin received the opening kick and moved down the field all the way to Permian’s 20-yard line. But the promising drive for the Cougars would stall, and Franklin turned the ball over on downs.
Permian turned the opportunity into an 11 play, 80 yard drive that ended in a one yard touchdown run by Terran Limuel. The Panthers had an early 7-0 lead.
Franklin managed to answer on their ensuing possession with a 45 yard touchdown pass, tying things up at 7-7 as the first quarter was winding down.
The Permian offense didn’t take long to respond. After a 20-yard kickoff return to the Permian 40 yard line, Rose helped the Panthers bring the ball down field with a 14 yard run. Easton Hernandez followed with runs of 12 and 19 yards. Hernandez then capped the drive with a one yard run to go in front for good at 14-7 with 11:13 left in the second quarter.
The Black Attack defense forced Franklin to punt for the first time on the Cougars’ next offensive series. The Panthers offense went right back to work with a seven play, 90 yard scoring drive. Rose scored on a 21-yard run to finish the drive. The Carson Roberts PAT gave Permian a 21-7 advantage midway through the second quarter.
Permian was able to capitalize on another turnover on downs by marching 68 yards in five plays, with another short touchdown run by Hernandez. MOJO went into the halftime break on top 28-7.
The Panthers began the second half the same as the first, scoring on a six yard run by Hernandez to give the Panthers a 35-7 lead with 8:20 left in the third quarter.
After forcing the Cougars to punt again, the Panthers put together another scoring drive. Carson Roberts nailed his first of two field goals to give MOJO a 38-7 lead as the third quarter came to a close.
Brian Mahaffey got into the act on the next Permian possession, going around the left end untouched for a 65 yard touchdown. The score gave Permian a 45-7 lead with 7:25 remaining in the game.
With the Panthers substituting liberally on defense, the Cougars managed to put another score on the board with an 18 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was no good, making the score 45-13 Permian.
Tha Panthers ended the scoring on their next possession with a 20 yard field goal by Roberts. Final score Permian Panthers 48, Franklin Cougars 13.
Easton Hernandez had another brilliant game for Permian with 160 total yards and three touchdowns. Malachi Medlock and Terran Limuel gave the Panthers three 100 yard rushers with 111 and 110 yards, respectively. Alex Rose contributed 85 yards on the ground, with Brian Mahaffey adding 66 yards and a score. The 584 yards rushing set a new team rushing record (old record 522 yards vs El Paso Coronado 2017). The win gives MOJO a 7-4 record overall.
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