Panthers top Spartans, Rost earns 150th victory

Palo Verde has performed like two different football teams this season.

The Panthers have failed to score on offense in two road games thus far, but at home, it’s a completely different story.

Palo Verde stayed true to form Thursday night as it used another impressive ground game to down visiting Cimarron-Memorial, 34-0. The win gave head coach Darwin Rost his 150th victory at the school.

“I didn’t even know I was that close,” Rost said. “It’s not about me, it’s about the kids and coaches I’ve had in the program. This is a special win, but we have room for improvement.”

Palo Verde rushed for 252 yards to win its 20th home game in 21 tries.

“This place is certainly special,” said Ty Fuller, who caught a 27-yard touchdown pass in the victory. “It’s a great atmosphere, with the fans and the band. When we put that black jersey on, we know it’s time to go to work.”

The Panthers worked from the beginning, as Aaron Chisolm scored on a 54-yard run just 74 seconds into the team’s first possession. Senior Jaren Campbell had two scores on the night, and Dallas White added a 35-yard score in the second quarter.

At halftime, Cimarron had only 72 yards of total offense and trailed, 20-0.

“It’s a special feeling playing up here,” said Rost, whose Panthers have an 89-12 mark at home since 1998. “We play with a lot of confidence at home. Again, we have things to improve on, and we will get some players back to help us for league play.”

Campbell had 100 yards on seven carries for Palo Verde (3-2), and Chisolm added 63 yards on seven trips. Tyree Riley led all rushers with 113 yards on 23 carries for Cimarron (2-3), which turned the ball over six times.