Most regional sports outlets predicted a wild, high-scoring shootout. Instead, the Panthers completely dictated the terms of surrender from the opening whistle, suffocating the Midland Lee offense and unleashing a clinical statement victory.
Permian abandoned its historical DNA of ball-control ground warfare. Instead, quarterback Kayden Vickers operated with surgical precision, finishing the night 20-of-23 for 327 yards and three touchdowns passing. He would add a rushing touchdown right before halftime.
Air Vickers found the ultimate weapon in Aaron Navarrete, who put together a definitive individual rivalry-night showcase. Navarrete hauled in a pair of first-quarter touchdowns to break the game wide open before permanently slamming the door on the Rebels, snagging an errant Lee pass on the Panther goal line during the fourth quarter.
The Permian offense kept the Rebel linebackers entirely off-balance by dipping deep into the trick playbook. In the first quarter, Malachi Mendoza uncorked a 39-yard flanker pass to Navarrete to secure a 14-0 cushion. In the third stanza, the Mojo offense executed a spectacular 34-yard flea-flicker bomb to Jace Thompson to push the lead to a commanding 42-10.
Aside from a lone second-quarter TD score and a short third-quarter field goal, the Rebel offense was systematically dismantled, crossing the goal line just once all evening as the ‘Mojo D’ flexed its muscle.
As the game transitioned into the late frames, the superior conditioning and mental toughness of the Panthers became overwhelmingly apparent. This relentless execution forced two late turnover on downs deep in the red zone, putting an absolute exclamation point on a solid district-opening performance.
To paint a better picture of the mismatch, Permian produced 502 yards of total offense to Lee’s 307. Navarrete finished the night with six catches for 139 yards and two TDs. Dae Dae McDowell hauled in five passes for 89 yards, while Mendoza collected 71 yards and a touchdown on his five receptions. Cayden Taylor added a 26-yard TD scamper midway into the third quarter.
After the game, it is reported they were still looking for remnants of Rebel on the stadium turf… Make no mistake, Permian’s biggest opponent for the next four weeks is going to be itself. Focus and discipline are going to be tested. Penalties still need to be cleaned up, the Panthers committed six (five offensive / one defensive ) tonight.
With the victory, the Black Cats remain unbeaten for the season and in District 2-6A. Permian will enjoy being back in the confines of Ratliff Stadium next Friday for the annual Crosstown Showdown with Odessa High. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.
Authors: T Alan, Gem
| BY QUARTER | |||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| Permian | 14 | 14 | 14 | 00 | 42 |
| Mid Lee | 00 | 07 | 03 | 00 | 10 |
SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
PER – Navarrete 15 pass from Vickers (Munoz kick), 4:13
PER – Navarrete 39 pass from Mendoza (Munoz kick), 1:33
Second Quarter
PER – Mendoza 18 pass from Vickers (Munoz kick), 10:45
LEE – Anders 10 pass from Reyes (Pelcastre kick), 5:53
PER – Vickers 4 run (Munoz kick), 0:17
Third Quarter
PER – Taylor 26 run (Munoz kick), 7:54
LEE – Pelcastre 37 Field Goal, 4:52
PER – Thompson 34 pass from Vickers (Munoz kick), 2:46
Fourth Quarter
no scoring
| SPORTZ GAME STATS | ||
| PER | LEE | |
| First Downs | 21 | 18 |
| Total Yards | 502 | 307 |
| Rushing | 94 | 118 |
| Passing | 408 | 189 |
| C-A-I | 23-28-1 | 16-38-1 |
| Fumbles | 0-0 | 1-0 |
| Penalties | 6-65 | 5-45 |
SportzStats compiled by T Alan
