Big Spring Steers fall to Fort Stockton Panthers
The Big Spring Steers (3-3, 0-2) were outscored 28-0 in the second half of Friday’s game against the Fort Stockton Panthers (3-5, 2-0) and ended up losing their second district game of the season 28-7 on the road. Big Spring was unable to capitalize on their strong first half, but still put together a strong all-around performance.
“It was just a disappointing loss,” Head Football Coach Cannon Mcwilliams said.
The new district rivalry was a low-scoring affair throughout the first half, with the Steers hanging onto a 7-0 lead at halftime. Big Spring’s defense played lights-out throughout the first 24 minutes of regulation, with Maverick Yanez grabbing an interception in the end zone that stopped a Panther drive in its tracks.
On offense, wide receiver Pablito Dehoyos got the Steers on the board late in the first quarter with a 22-yard touchdown reception that was thrown by quarterback Gabriel Baeza. That was the only time the Steers could find the end zone in the first half, and the game headed into the third quarter appearing like a strong defensive standoff.
Isaiah Holloway was able to grab his own interception in the third quarter for the Steers and they looked just as strong defensively as they did in the first half.
However, Fort Stockton quarterback Dominic Aguilar was able to score for the Panthers early in the fourth quarter to get them on the board. They failed their two-point conversion attempt and the Steers still led 7-6. The Panthers were able to score another rushing touchdown quickly and took a 14-7 lead.
Baeza then threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and the Panthers increased their lead to 21-7. Running back Jaydrien Ramirez scored the last touchdown for the Panthers when he ran it in from 26 yards out.
Big Spring will now attempt to bounce-back in their home game against Lake View next Friday night. The Steers won a thriller in overtime over the Chiefs in the last game of the regular season last year. They will try to replicate that performance and come out with wins in back-to-back seasons over Lake View.