It’s been 38 years since the Midlothian Panthers were 8-0.
There was plenty of motivation for this week; the Panthers lost assistant coach Clif White after a five-month battle with bladder cancer.
Motivated by their motto “Fight Like Coach White,” Midlothian edged out Lake Belton 39-37 in a battle at the top of District 4-5A D1 teams at MISD Stadium.
For the first time since winning their first 12 in 1984, the Panthers remain undefeated.
It wasn’t easy.
Trailing 37-27 late in the third quarter, Midlothian scored twice, and tightened up their defense at the conclusion of the final period.
They did most of their offense on the ground.
The Panthers only attempted six passes while rushing 54 times for 471 yards. In total, three players rushed for over 100 yards: De’ago Benson (157 yards, two TDS), Chad Ragle (121 yards), Jordon Richburg (119 yards). Though Benson was given the game ball, he awarded it to Meagan White — Coach White’s widow. Meagan also received an American flag before the game and was midfield for the pre-game coin toss.
So far, more than $44,000 has been raised for the family through a Go Fund Me campaign.
Midlothian hopes to keep their streak alive in an away contest against the Ellison Eagles. The team is riding their own four game win streak. It is the first matchup between the both teams.
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