The Fort Stockton Panthers traveled to El Paso on Friday, August 27th, to take on the Bowie Bears in the season opener for both teams. Fort Stockton started off strong with the defense recovering a fumble on Bowie's first play from scrimmage. The Panthers struck quick with a 32 yard TD pass from Dominic Aguilar to Corbin Luna. The missed PAT put the Panthers up 6-0. The Bears answered quickly with a well executed 68 yard scoring drive which put the Bears up 7-6. The Panthers rallied with a second quarter score from Aguilar and went into the half up 13-7.
The second half of the game was a back and forth battle which saw the Panthers extend their lead to 26-7 at one point before being cut to 26-21 entering the fourth quarter. Once again Aguilar scored on a run from 40 yards out to add to the lead. A big goalline stand from the Fort Stockton defense sealed the win with the final score tallying 32-21 Panthers
Offensive Leaders:
D. Aguilar: 13 rushes for 240 yds 4 TD's 7/12 passing 81 yards 1 TD
D. Rodriguez: 4 receptions 34 yds
C. Luna: 14 rushes 85 yds
Defensive Leaders:
Jaydrien Ramirez: 12 tackles 2 TFL
Jordan Franco: 11 Tackles 1 TFL
Isaiah Velasquez: 10 Tackles 1 TFL 1 Sack
