The Panthers opened district play this past Friday hosting the 1 and 3 Randolph Ro-Hawks. Although Randolph came into the game with a losing record, the Ro-Hawks look to be contenders for a play-off spot in District 27-AA. However, Randolph will have to begin their quest for a shot at the post season this next week, as the Panthers scored early and often to cruise to a 42 to 13 win.

Blanco opened the game scoring three times in the first quarter. Senior QB Derek Tesch was just getting started for the night when he connected with TE Travis McClinton on a 31 yard pass play for the game’s first touchdown. Layton Dworaczyk scored the first of four straight touchdowns on Blanco’s next possession with a ten yard run. Then, with time running down in the quarter, Tesch hooked up with Dworaczyk on a twenty-three yard screen pass. Kicker Dal Dechert converted all three PAT’s to make the first quarter score 21 to 0.

The second quarter saw Dworaczyk add two more TD’s on runs of one and twenty-six yards. With Dechert converting two more kicks, Blanco would lead 35 to 0 at the half.

The second half of play saw the Panthers score just one more time on a 67 yard pass play from Tesch to Kevin Gray. Although Dechert closed out the scoring for Blanco with his sixth PAT, the Panther’s suffered a big loss as Gray suffered an apparent broken collar bone at the end of his touchdown reception.

With Blanco firmly in control of the game’s outcome, Randolph did manage to avoid the shut out, scoring twice in the final quarter. However, Blanco closed out the game for their fifth win of the season and a strong start to district play.

Offensively, Blanco was held to less than 400 yards in total offense for the first time all season. However, Derek Tesch put up some impressive numbers passing for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns, while on the ground Kevin Gray would lead the Panthers with 68 yards rushing before leaving at the end of the third quarter.

Defensively, Blanco dominated the game for three quarters of play, while allowing just fourteen first downs and forcing their 8th turnover of the year, a Kevin Gray interception at the goal line to close out the only Ro-Hawk scoring threat of the first half.

Blanco will now prepare for a tough road game as they travel to Comfort to take on the 0 and 5 Bobcats. Although Comfort comes into the game winless, and having lost their district opener to Cole, the Bobcats will prove to be a tough test for the Panthers as Blanco will look to improve to 6 and 0. Kick-off is set for 7:30.