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The Columbus Cardinals had their season come to an end after losing to the Lorena Panthers 42-21 at Hutto Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 24.
The Cardinals’ offense came out firing on all cylinder and established an early lead, but the Panthers offense and defense found a rhythm in the second quarter and quickly shifted the tides.
The Cardinals wasted no time in Friday’s game by unleashing Ty’Vone Whitehead’s rushing ability early in the game. Whitehead scored two touchdowns in the first quarter giving the Cardinals early momentum.
Whitehead carried the ball 20 times Friday night for 175 yards and two touchdowns, but the Panthers’ defense took away the Cardinals’ passing attack which was the biggest factor in the Cardinals’ loss. The Panthers held the Cardinals’ passing attack to only 78 yards Friday not and forced the Cardinals to punt the ball away.
The Panthers’ defense recorded two interceptions in Friday’s game which added to the offensive momentum they built in the second quarter. The Panther took the lead back in the second quarter right before halftime and put a ton of pressure on the Cardinals.
Starting the game with a 14-0 lead after the first quarter the Cardinals found themselves in the in a hole heading into halftime. Down 21-14 the Cardinals knew they needed to start the third quarter strong if they wanted to get back into this game.
Unfortunately, the Panthers’ defense was up to the task and continued to shut down the Cardinals’ offense. The Cardinals’ defense however was also ready to make a stand and they returned the favor by keeping the Panthers’ offense at bay.
Hudson Hauerland made a big play for the Cardinals’ defense by jumping a route and coming away with an interception. The Interception gave the Cardinals more life on offense but again the Panthers’ defense was there to shut the door.
That led to the Panthers’ offense again finding their rhythm and adding three more scores in the fourth quarter to all but end the game. The Cardinals found the endzone one last time before the game ended with Adam Schobel and Braylon Fisher connecting one last time in the 2023 season before the clock hit zero.
The Cardinals took their time getting off the field as all the players, especially the seniors, tried to savor their final moments in High School Football. As players trickled off the field they were greeted by fans and supporters who showered them with positivity and made sure the players knew they were proud of what they accomplished.
The Cardinals season was one for the ages and it may have ended too early in the eyes of the players and coaches, but the Cardinals will be back next season ready to avenge this loss.
