The Panthers football team is on its way to its 12th sub-state game in the last 13 years. They came up short when Hutchinson beat them in 2014. The team will take on the Junior Blues of Washburn Rural tonight.

Washburn Rural runs a run-pass option out of a spread formation. A run-pass option is built for a run but in the scenario of a receiver being open, they throw it. It’s up to the quarterback to make a read based on the defense, a lot of times it depends on the linebackers. 

“We are focused on stopping the quarterback,” linebacker Kikoa Indalecio said. “He likes to run out of their option and we need to make sure we can get the ball out of his hands. He can really throw it, too. He’s just their best offensive player in general.”

The Panthers will continue with the offense they’ve run all year. Last game there was a trick play where quarterback Braxton Clark appeared to be caught in a misunderstanding with the coaches on an audible but it was a scheme for tight end Da’Saahn Brame, who then ran up and got under center, the ball was snapped and Brame got four yards for the first down. 

The Panthers were held under 50 rushing yards against Manhattan in the quarterfinal win because they were forced to focus on throwing the ball. This week might be somewhat of the same story. 

“If we throw the ball well this week we should win,” junior John Lujan said. “I don’t think we are going to be able to run the ball all game against Washburn and be successful.” 

The Panther defense has stepped up big time all year, only allowing 114 points after its first-game loss to Manhattan. In many of the games the points that were scored were recorded in the fourth quarter when the Panthers starters were not playing.