Panthers grind out first road win

It was another methodical ground game performance by Palo Verde, just the way the Panthers wanted to open Southwest League play Friday night.

The Panthers rushed for 305 yards, and scored on their first three possessions on their way to a 41-7 win at Shadow Ridge, Palo Verde’s 10th win in 12 meetings in the series.

From the first time Palo Verde touched the ball to its final offensive play, it was all Panthers.

Issac Woods’ 50-yard kickoff return set up the Panthers first score, and Palo Verde was off and running.

“We ran the ball very well tonight,” said Panther coach Darwin Rost, who had 11 different players carry the ball. “We needed a win like this as we head into the heavy portion of our schedule.”

Palo Verde took advantage of Woods’ return, by going 35 yards in five plays for the initial score, an 8-yard run by Ty Fuller. Aaron Mack missed the extra point, but the Panthers had a 6-0 lead just 2:18 in the game.

The Palo Verde rushing show then went into the hands of senior Jaren Campbell, who scored two first half touchdowns on runs of 2 and 27 yards. The Panthers had 168 total yards and enjoyed a 21-0 lead at the half.

“Jaren ran the ball very well,” said Rost. “It’s good to get lots of people in the game, that will only help us down the road.”

The Mustangs (2-4, 0-2 Southwest) opened the third quarter with their best drive of the night, highlighted by a 53-yard run from Christian DeJesus. Quarterback Elijah Quintoa capped the three play-drive with a 5-yard score, and Shadow Ridge was within 14-7.

But the Panthers scored twice in a 30-second span later in the third quarter, and Palo Verde had its first road win of 2014.

Campbell led Palo Verde with 122 yards on 15 carries, as the Panthers had 340 total yards.

Woods also had a sack, an interception and a forced fumble for Palo Verde (4-2, 1-0).

DeJesus led all rushers with 139 yards on 15 tries for Shadow Ridge. The Mustangs had 183 yards, with 73 of those coming on the scoring drive in the third quarter.