At 3-0, this matchup couldn’t have gotten more even. In fact, it came down to the last offensive possession for Fossil Ridge. The Panthers trailed 28-23 with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before they failed to convert on a fourth down and eight. The drive stalled at the 10 and so did the Panthers’ hopes as the Rowlett Eagles held on for a 28-23 victory Friday night at Southlake’s Dragon Stadium.
After taking a 21-10 lead into halftime, the Eagles stumbled out of the gate to start the second half. They were forced to punt on their first two possessions. The Panthers quickly responded with a 65-yard rushing touchdown by running back Anthony Smith to cut the lead to four points.
Ironically, that’s when Rowlett settled down.
The following drive, the Eagles started at their own six-yard line. Faced with terrible field position, the Eagles slowly started chipping away. When it was all said and done the Eagles drove the length of the field. They capped off the possession with a one-yard rushing touchdown that culminated a 14-play, 96-yard scoring drive.
At 28-17, it was the Eagles game to lose.
Panthers’ quarterback Max Akin did his best to bring Fossil Ridge back. The senior quarterback passed for 150 yards and one touchdown while running for 93 yards and another touchdown.
But his efforts fell short as Rowlett handed Fossil Ridge its first loss of the season. For Rowlett, they move to 4-0 and sit atop their respective division.
The Panthers continue their schedule next week against cross-town rival Keller Timber Creek on Sept. 23. For Rowlett, the Eagles open district play against North Garland on Sept. 23 at the Raiders’ home stadium.
