The highs, the lows, the Panthers football team felt it all on during their season opener on Friday, at Manhattan. 

The Panthers lost 33-19 to the same team that ended their season during the Class 6A semifinals last year.

“It’s a lot different (feeling) than last year because we lost to them twice last year,” said senior quarterback Braxton Clark, who completed 18 of 25 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. “Now this, so it’s definitely tough.” 

The Panthers are young, with a variety of freshman and sophomores suiting up varsity. 

“I just feel like we have a lot of new people out there that weren’t ready, and we just got to get better at practice,” Clark said.

Manhattan led all game as the Panthers’ offense struggled, including two missed PAT attempts. After trailing 19-6 at half with their only touchdown coming on senior Derek Hubbard’s 90-yard kick return, they started picking up momentum in the second half.

But the defense struggled late and gave up a big run on 3rd and 15. 

This game was emotional for both teams, even though it was only the first game.

“It’s a little bit different,” Clark said. “In the long run, this game doesn’t really matter, because it’s first week and we’ll see them in the playoffs if we make a playoff run.”

The Panthers play Salina South in their home opener Sept. 8.