4A Team of the Week: North Lamar Panthers

It has been a decade since North Lamar has been in the playoffs. The Panthers had won just one total game the past two seasons, but on Friday night, they were just one win away from the postseason.

Wills Point is all that stood in their way. And with a golden opportunity sitting in front of them, the Panthers weren’t going to be denied.

Quarterback Jack Rusak threw for 180 yards and two scores while adding another 63 yards and two touchdowns on the ground as North Lamar blew away Wills Point 47-6.

“It means a lot. This program has had some hard times and making the playoffs is a goal that we as a team set to change the perspective on our program,” North Lamar head coach Carlos Guevara said. “It has been special to see the players who have stuck it through and put in the hard work that we set upon them this last offseason to accomplish a goal like this. I hope they are able to take that same mentality of hard work and dedication beyond their playing days.”

Running back Blake Brannan rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Corvin Jeffrey also had a rushing score. In the receiving corps, Keylan Gray caught seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, middle linebackers Randon Parsons and Brody Dyess stood out with seven and six tackles respectively. Fellow linebacker LV Williams also had a sack and a fumble recovery.

North Lamar is now 4-4 on the season and 2-2 in district play. The Panthers now have a pivotal game on the road against Quinlan Ford this Friday, where the winner will claim the district’s three seed.

Previous 4A Teams of the Week

Week One: Corpus Christi Miller

Week Two: Canyon Randall

Week Three: Lindale

Week Four: Snyder

Week Five: Krum

Week Six: Kerrville Tivy

Week Seven: Burnet

Week Eight: Pittsburg

Week Nine: Ingleside