Despite not having starting quarterback Braxton Clark, the Panthers couldn’t be stopped in a 48-0 victory over the Campus Colts on Friday.

Junior Easton Splane started in place of Clark, who suffered a tear in a kidney in the win over Hutchinson on Sept. 22. 

“I just knew (that) I needed to step up because my team needed me,” Splane said. “I wasn’t very nervous.”

The offense was successful on the ground, rushing for 147 yards and four touchdowns. 

“Braxton was a big part of our offense, but we have a lot of faith in Easton, and he’s going to get the job done,” freshman running back Arieus Finnley said. “There’s nothing new about us – we are still a powerhouse team. We just have to show it.” 

Despite the pressure, Splane thrived, throwing for 191 yards and three  touchdowns and, most importantly, zero turnovers. He completed 6 of 6 passes.

“I did well throwing the ball,” Splane said. “I took advantage of the opportunity that I was given.”

It was a big night for sophomore receiver Rowan Foster, who had three receptions for 116 yards and a 73-yard touchdown to start the scoring.

“It sucks that we don’t have Braxton anymore because he is one of our great leaders and is a stud on the field,” Foster said. “Having Easton at quarterback hasn’t changed anything for me – my goals and aspirations are still the same. I hope Braxton will be back, but for now, Easton is picking up where Braxton left off and he’s doing outstanding.” 

The connection between the receivers and Clark has been pretty strong. He had 602 passing yards, completing 67.2 percent of his passes and threw eight touchdowns. 

The defense did its job once again, holding the Colts to zero points for the Panthers’ second shutout. 

The defense gave up 65 passing yards and 81 rushing. 

The Panthers play at Maize on Oct. 6.i