5 October, 2023- The Central Panthers suffered a devastating homecoming loss against the McKay Royal Scots, 15-42, this Thursday night.
Starting the game strong for the Central Panthers, Andrew Taufa’asau secures a pass from the two-yard line for a touchdown. Jose Espericueta makes the extra point to make the score 7-0. McKay would answer the score, evening it out to a solid 7-7 leading up to the second quarter.
Although they started well, consecutive turnovers by the Panthers would lead to their decline as the game progressed. Two more touchdowns after that by the Royal Scots, including a missed extra point, would present a 7-20 score right before the end of the second quarter. McKay would finish out the last drive of the half with a field goal, making the midpoint score 7-23.
The football teams return from the locker room to finish the last half of the game, McKay firing right out of the gates with a touchdown yet again. They would complete a two-point conversion only to have it brought back due to a penalty of an illegal man downfield. Drawing the line of scrimmage back, they would opt to kick an extra point instead, making the score 7-30.
For the first time in the game, the Panthers are able to answer a score. Running back Asa Pritchard-Moa would have a three-yard carry for a touchdown. Initially going for an extra point, an offsides penalty on McKay would lead to the ball being placed at the 1.5-yard line. Seeing the opportunity with limited time left, a pass to Taufa’asau would allow Central to complete a two-point conversion, closing the gap to 15-30.
With only 9:26 left to go in the game and chances for success dwindling for the Panthers, an attempt of an onside kick was performed. Sadly, this would not work out, and Justice Anthony of the Royal Scots would recover it at the 49-yard line. This drive would prove successful for McKay and ended in a lateral pass and then a throw to Anthony in the endzone for a touchdown, improving the Royal Scots' score to 36. There would be another missed two-point conversion.
Without an answer from the Panthers, the Royal Scots get the ball back and are able to turn it into a scoring drive yet again. Armando Guetierrez Arradondo would catch the pass, furthering McKay’s gap by 27 points. Linebacker Lucas Henderson would intercept the two-point conversion attempt, giving momentum back to the Central offense.
With 4:13 left in the game, Quarterback JT Girod was able to complete a 27-yard pass to Moses Garcia to keep the chance of a win alive. However, the McKay Linebacker Jadyn Garibay quickly diminished this much-needed momentum with an interception and run for a couple of yards. This final drive would end with McKay taking a knee with 14 seconds left, allowing the clock to run out.
Consisting of many penalties and injuries, Central’s Chase Moore and Rei Eaves were the two worst for Central. The game ended in a saddening defeat for the Panthers. Their record declines to 1-5, with opportunities for making the postseason gone.
Central has their last home game of the season next week, Thursday the 12, at 7:00 PM against the Lebanon Warriors for senior night. Show up to cheer on your Panthers and enjoy a night to recognize the outstanding seniors we have on the team. We look forward to seeing you there. Go Panthers!