After Storm-Shortened Game, Panthers Retake Field Tonight

Coach Derek Alford said he hopes to see more of the defensive play his Panthers put on display for one quarter last Friday night against Caddo Mills.

Unfortunately, the lightning-laced thunderstorm system that moved through the area kept the game from continuing early in the second quarter. Caddo Mills held a 7-6 edge when the teams were ordered to exit from the field.

"We got into the second quarter and were just a play or two into it," Alford said. "We waited through three or four lightning delays and finally just called it off when we saw how big the storm system was and that it would continue all night and the next day."

Alford said he was impressed with his defensive unit in the time following Caddo Mills’ only TD on its first play from scrimmage. Ford had taken an early led on its first possession, ending in a 30-yard scoring pass from quarterback Kyle Stone to wide receiver Garrett Crosby.

"They have a great running back, and he got stopped at the line but backed up and went the other direction all the way," Alford said. "Then after that, we settled down. We didn’t play as good on offense but we played as good as I’ve seen us play all year on defense."

That will need to continue tonight (Friday) against the team Alford said is the speediest opponent on the Panthers’ schedule, Tyler Chapel Hill. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. at Lytal Field.

"Chapel Hill will be fastest team we will see all year, unless we make the playoffs and run into Gilmer. We’ve got to run to the football and play physical. If we don’t, we have no chance, but if do, I think we’ll have a great chance," the coach said.

Offensively, Alford said the Panthers must improve in completing drives once they are inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

"Our whole deal is to try to control the clock and we’ve done a good job of that in the first two games," he said, "but we haven’t always finished the drive.

"We probably have more double-digit (yardage) drives offensively than 90 percent of the teams out there. We need to make sure to push it in and score when we get down there," Alford added.

Ford was just 1-for-4 in the red zone against Mineola, and 4-for-7 against Van Alstyne the following week.

"We’ve missed quite a few opportunities to score a lot more points than we have," Alford said.

He does not feel the inability to play a full game last Friday will have an adverse effect on the Panthers.

"There is an effect if you let it become one, but if you are strong enough and disciplined enough mentally, it’s not going to be a problem," Alford said. "It has allowed some of guys who were banged up to get a little healthy, so we’re going to look at that positive and overcome any negative and go from there."