Top SSHS football games

Writer reflects on 10 years covering Panthers

In 10 years of covering Siloam Springs football, I’ve gotten to see my share of exciting games — wins, losses and one memorable tie — for the Panthers.

Here are my top 10 games of Panther football that I’ve covered in person from 2010 until now — the duration I’ve been on the beat. Note: These are games that I was physically at. I can’t include the 2012 home game against Van Buren, which ended up a 47-46 heartbreaking loss for Siloam Springs, because I was sick in bed with the flu.

And by the way, there are several outstanding games that do not make the final cut. Included in that list are:

• 2011, 20-17 loss vs. Morrilton— Panthers fall short with a playoff spot on the line.

• 2013, 49-40 win at Van Buren — Panthers avenge a 47-46 loss the year before.

• 2014, 47-35 win vs. Harrison — Panthers outgun Goblins in shootout at Glenn Black.

• 2014, 42-21 win at Russellville — SSHS mercy rules Cyclones to clinch playoff spot.

• 2015, 22-12 win vs. Claremore, Okla. — Panthers rally from 12-0 hole on homecoming.

• 2015, 26-24 win at Van Buren — SSHS wins another great game at Van Buren.

• 2015, 45-35 loss vs. Russellville — Return of Billy Dawson ends in tough loss.

• 2016, 24-21 win vs. Sheridan — Late field goal gives Panthers only win of season.

• 2017, 34-33 loss vs. Rogers — a truly heartbreaking loss for Siloam Springs, who led 27-7.

• 2017, 31-24 win at Sheridan — Panthers come away with win on road.

• 2018, 24-21 loss vs. El Dorado — Late call costs Panthers in loss to Wildcats.

• 2018, 49-42 loss at Searcy — Offensive shootout goes to Lions.

• 2019, 28-27 win at Sheridan — Panthers rally from 14-0 hole to win. • 2019, 28-26 loss vs. Benton — Near miss against eventual state runner-up.

• 2019, 31-29 win at Russellville — Panthers clinch playoff spot with win.

An argument can be made for any of these above to be in the top 10.

I’d love to see your thoughts. Feel free to send me an email to gthomas@nwadg.com.