Mountain Grove football season kicked off with annual Jamboree

The Mountain Grove Panthers’ football team hosted the 2024 Jamboree, giving players an opportunity to see time on the grid iron against three South Central Association (SCA) Conference opponents.
In the first look of the season for Mountain Grove fans of the football team, the Panthers’ offense started their set of plays on the 40 against Willow Springs.
It didn’t take them long to get going as Kaden Murphy’s seven yard run and quarterback Aden Estep’s 12-yard run were followed by Cooper Hoerning scoring on a 21-yard touchdown scramble.
Brody Emery ran for 14 yards and Estep added an 11-yard run on the second drive that was capped off in just four plays with Estep’s seven-yard touchdown run.
Brayden Curtiss finished off the Bears with five straight running plays that was capped by a three-yard touchdown run.
Mountain Grove’s defense then dug their heels in against the Bears’ offense and did not give Willow Springs much to work with.
Brayden Haughey had a solid six-yard tackle for a loss and Curtiss’ tackle for loss ended the first drive.
A bad snap on a second drive led to Haughey’s fumble recovery.
Willow Springs’ offense then had a 10-yard gains before the drive was impacted by a pair of tackles for a loss.
The defense stayed on the field for the next scrimmage against Thayer.
Thayer drove the ball to the Panthers’ 23 on their first drive when the ball carrier was stuffed for a one yard loss on fourth down.

They reached the 22 on their next drive before it ended with Hunter Pope’s interception.
Mountain Grove’s offense wasted little time attacking the Bobcats as Estep scored from 40 yards out on the very first play.
Then three plays into their next drive, Estep connected with Destin Unger for a 29-yard touchdown play.
Curtiss ended the exhibition with a four-yard touchdown run to seal yet another big win.
To get needed field time before their home opener on Monday, the Panthers’ JV team played the full scrimmage against Houston. The offense was shutout. Meanwhile, the Tigers scored on their first offensive play with a 40-yard touchdown run.
Before the contest, the Mountain Grove Panther Booster Club held their annual barbecue event as food and T-shirts were sold throughout the evening. All of Mountain Grove’s fall sports athletes were also introduced.