1A Team of the Week: Abbott Panthers

A year ago, Abbott’s loss to Coolidge in the district opener ultimately kept the Panthers out of the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Last Friday, those two teams met again in a game that will likely have huge implications in the final district standings.

The game didn’t disappoint.

40 minutes and an overtime period was not enough to separate the two teams.

In double overtime, Abbott opened the scoring on a run by Quinton Kaska to take the 82-76 lead. Coolidge would have a chance to win it with a score and successful conversion. However, their drive didn’t last long. Panther safety Bryer Haynes recovered a fumble on Coolidge’s very first play to seal an unforgettable victory.

“I was impressed with how hard we played and how we handled every situation the game presented and just stayed in the fight and kept making plays when we had to,” Abbott head coach Kyle Crawford said. “It was truly a game of trading blows. Hats off to Coolidge for battling all night as well.”

Abbott had quite the one-two punch in its backfield throughout the night. Jonathon Wood rushed for 303 yards and five touchdowns, while Haynes racked up 176 yards and a score on 19 carries. Kaska also had three rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, Landon Stevens led the Panthers with 10 solo tackles.

Abbott will now get ready to head to Gholson this Friday. The Panthers may be 1-0 in district, unlike last year, but Crawford knows there’s still a long way to go.

“It’s huge to start off district play with a win like that but it’s back to work and on to the next one,” Crawford said. “We still have three big district games to go but getting that one right off the bat certainly helps and I’m super proud of all our guys and coaching staff.” 

Previous 1A Teams of the Week

Week One: Eden

Week Two: Silverton

Week Three: Olfen

Week Four: Hermleigh

Week Five: Borden County

Week Six: Newcastle