After jumping out to an early 21 to 7 lead, Blanco saw the Randolph Ro-Hawks score 25 unanswered points and then hold on for a 32 to 27 victory. Although the loss does not affect the Panthers’ play-off scenario, the defeat does drop Blanco to 6 and 4 on the season.
Blanco opened the first half with a one-yard Sam Isenberg TD run and then an Isenberg to Colton Elrod 37-yard scoring pass. Aikman Elrod converted the first PAT before having his second attempt blocked. Randolph answered midway through the second quarter scoring on an 80-yard pass play. A successful PAT cut the Panther lead to 13 to 7. On their ensuing possession, Blanco drove 57 yards in 8 plays to score on a Colton Childress 18-yard run. Isenberg then passed to Colton Elrod for the two-point conversion and increased Blanco’s lead to 21 to 7. However, Randolph scored quickly, covering 80 yards in 8 plays to cut the lead to 21 to 14 following a six-yard run and a successful PAT.
The Ro-Hawks returned for the second half and scored two more times in the third quarter on runs of 6 and 3 yards, with the second TD giving them their first lead of the game. Randolph then added a 23-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make the score 32 to 21. Blanco answered, driving 62 yards in 13 plays to score on a five-yard pass play from Isenberg to Childress. After a blocked PAT left the score at 32 to 27 the Panthers were unable to get the ball back as Randolph ran out the clock to preserve the win.
On the night, Tim Goodman led all rushers with 129 yards on 15 carries while Childress added 76 yards on 14 rushes. Isenberg had a strong night as well, completing 5 of 6 passes for 87 yards and 2 TDs.
Defensively, the Panthers gave up just over 350 yards on the night with the Ro-Hawks picking up 21 first downs, 13 of which came in the third quarter.
Blanco finishes the regular season at 6 and 4 overall and 4 and 2 in district play, 2nd behind Lexington. The Panthers will now take on Danbury this Friday at A&M Consolidated at 7:30 pm.
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