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Panthers open season with 28-12 victory over Fair Grove

Mountain Grove dominates Eagles for first win since 2018

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During their winless season a year ago, it was obvious the Panthers were being matched up with teams who did a better job working in the weight room.

Fast forward through one full year of committing their roster to the strength and conditioning process, and the Panthers reaped their rewards when they took on Fair Grove in the season opener at home on Friday night.

Players on the offensive and defensive line dominated the battle up front, leading the Panthers to a 28-12 win. It was their first victory since beating Thayer on the road two seasons ago. It was their first home win since defeating Houston, 13-6, on Oct. 12, 2018.

In the first quarter, Fair Grove nearly picked up an early turnover when punter Brendan Rogers picked up a ball that was snapped too high, but he still managed to punt the ball away.

With good field position though, the Eagles marched 44 yards and scored on a short touchdown run. The failed extra point kick kept the score at 6-0.

Fair Grove’s next possession started deep in Mountain Grove territory, but costly penalties and the Panthers defense forced the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs.

Mountain Grove put some points on the board early in the second quarter as quarterback Tyson Elliott connected on a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jase Dowden. A failed extra point kick kept the score tied at 6-6.

Mountain Grove’s defensive front began making their presence felt on the next drive as on one play Jakob Norman slammed the quarterback to the ground.

Starting a drive on their own 34, the Panthers’ offense put together a nice drive of mixing up the run and the pass.

Elliott did connect with Hollen Glenn on a 16 yard pass. Glenn later scored on a four yard touchdown run. Rogers’ two-point conversion gave Mountain Grove a 14-6 lead with 4:41 left in the first half.

Fair Grove tried to score before halftime, but a pass was intercepted in the end zone by Todd Edwards as time expired.

The Panthers kept the pressure on Fair Grove early in the third quarter as Brendan Rogers scored on a 25-yard touchdown run. A successful extra point kick by freshman Hoyt Mathews made the score 21-6.

Gaven Moore picked up a big sack for a 12 yard loss. It appeared the play was going to put on hold an Eagles’ drive in the third quarter.

Unfortunately, a couple of plays later, the Eagles responded by connecting on an 82-yard touchdown pass. A failed 2-point conversion kept the score at 21-12.

With 3:11 left in the game, Mountain Grove sealed the victory with Glenn’s 52-yard touchdown run. Mathews’ kick put the Panthers up 28-12.

Glenn ended the game with a big hit on a Fair Grove player, causing a fumble, giving the ball back to the Panthers.

Glenn finished with 123 yards rushing and 31 yards receiving with two touchdowns.

Rogers had 89 yard rushing with one touchdown.

Elliott had 84 yard passing with one touchdown.

Defensively, Rogers had seven tackles and Glenn added five tackles.