Offensive improvement and returning key players leave the Whitaharal Panthers optimistic for the rest of the season, despite a 73-50 loss versus Richland Springs.
It’s only been three times that Whitaharal has scored double-digit points: 12 in week five versus Sands, 67 in week two versus Happy, and 50 this week (week 6) versus Richland Springs. It’s been four weeks since the Panthers were able to score more than 20 points, and the Panthers’ head coach, Josh Watson, let the offense have more flexibility to see more production this past week.
“I didn’t give them play sheets with what defenses they’re going to be in every time because they had multiple defenses and we just kind of rapid- fired, and they had to talk and figure it out,” Watson said. “I think they figured out like, ‘Hey, I am a good player; I can do this.”
Since week two, in Whitaharal’s sole win of the season, their running back Daniel Rodriguez, who they used as a catalyst for their offense, will be returning for their district play, which adds to the team’s confidence moving forward.
“That would be a huge boost to the team. We haven’t had him since week two, and he brings a lot to the table,” Watson said. “He scored most of the touchdowns versus Happy, and a lot of them were untouched. He had like 300 rushing yards, so you know it'll be really good to get him back.”
Scoring the second- highest points this season, the Panthers believe they have positive momentum to start the tail end of the season with one last non-district game versus Petersburg. “The guys are pretty fired up, especially after this last game,” Watson said about being ready for Petersburg.
Whitarahal will go on the road to take on Petersburg at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 9.