Panthers outmatched by Tri-West, 43-7; Western Boone road game this Friday

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This is not how the Western Panthers wanted to start their season. The varsity football squad opened the 2024 season at home, facing the Tri-West Bruins, only to get stomped into the turf, 43-7.

Tri-West featured a punishing ground game, with two players rushing for 100 yards or more. The Panthers were unable to stop senior quarterback Malachi Walden and senior running back Derek Reid, who each rushed for 102 yards and scored twice. Walden added 118 yards in the air and a touchdown. His performance alone was enough to stop Western's gameplan before it got started.

Western struggled to generate any momentum. Its only score came in a lopsided second quarter when junior tailback Matthew McKitrick scored on the ground. The Panthers mounted a successful drive early in the second quarter, highlighted by McKitrick's 46-yard sprint to the Tri-West 10-yard line.

A sideline infraction was called on Tri-West, moving the ball to the 5, where McKitrick finished the drive with a two-yard scamper after senior quarterback Kyler Norman ran for three yards.

At that point, the score was 10-7, and Panthers fans had reason to hope that this year's result wouldn't mirror the 2023 contest between the two teams in which Tri-West prevailed, 42-6. Unfortunately, the outcome was much the same as Tri-West reeled off four scores to finish the half leading 34-7.

Western had no luck against the Bruins' reserves, either, failing to find the endzone again while allowing another two scores.

On the night, Norman completed five passes for 30 yards and rushed for another 25 yards. McKitrick's 46-yard dash gave him a total of just 54 yards on six attempts. Senior Cameron Hobensack added 36 yards on the ground. Senior Brady Comer was Norman's favorite target, reeling in three passes for 21 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Mason Tedder registered five solo tackles and six assists, while Norman and McKitrick each registered four solo tackles. Tedder also caused a fumble.

Western, coming off a 4-6 rebuilding season, now stands at 0-1 and hopes to put a number in the win column Friday night as it travels to Western Boone.

See additional photos from this game, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.