Pana came out firing Friday night against Staunton, using a strong rushing attack and several big plays to build a comfortable lead and come away with the victory.
Pana got on the board early in the first quarter when Jax McKenna (#5) recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff at the 11:53 mark. The Panthers quickly turned the opportunity into points as Jax Czaikowski (#31) powered his way into the end zone on a rushing touchdown with 6:56 remaining.
Czaikowski found the end zone again early in the second quarter, scoring another rushing touchdown at 11:55 to extend Pana’s advantage.
Staunton answered with a huge 70-yard touchdown reception, cutting into the Pana lead. Carder Burris (#15) added the extra point to make it 13-6.
Pana continued to control the ground game as Cayden Durbin (#22) rushed for a touchdown with 5:44 remaining in the half. Staunton responded immediately when its No. 3 returner took the ensuing kickoff all the way to the end zone, making it 19-13.
The Panthers answered once again before halftime, with Newt Campbell (#30) rushing for a touchdown with 3:02 left in the quarter to push the lead to 26-13.
Pana added another score in the fourth quarter when Durbin found the end zone again on a rushing touchdown with 5:06 remaining.
The Panthers’ physical rushing attack and ability to respond to Staunton’s big plays proved to be the difference as Pana secured the win.
