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After a 6-6 first quarter the Panthers decided they needed some distance in the score.
So, they answered the need by putting 24 points on the board the second quarter, followed that with 12 in the third and put the finishing touches on a 49-6 win over Riverdale in Iowa-Grant's Homecoming game.
It was not only Homecoming night for the Panthers. It was also dedication night for Garry Crull Field. The event drew former coaches and players to watch the dedication and the game.
And the Panthers did not disappoint.
It took some focus to keep the game in its proper perspective and the team came through with a high passing grade.
"Focus was the key for the whole week," coach Gary Allen said. "Homecoming and the field dedication could have been distractions but our leaders did not allow that."
After Iowa-Grant's Brayden Johnson and Riverdale's Nick Cannon traded touchdowns in the first quarter the Panthers went into high speed and reeled off three second quarter scores.
Caleb Hill nailed Isaac Anderson with a 32 yard strike and then passed to Eric Raimer for the conversion. The score came 88 seconds into the frame.
Zack Campbell struck for the second score on a six yard run and Hill passed to Johnson for the conversion.
Hill and Anderson teamed up again with 2:26 left in the half. Johnson's conversion run accounted for the 24 points and sent the score to 30-6 at the half.
Johnson then scored on runs of two and 11 yards in the third quarter.
Trae Kuesnster finished the scoring with a one yard plunge with 7:49 left in the game.
Allen said there were real adjustments needing to be made after the close first quarter.
"We didn't make any real adjustments as a team but the kids just buckled down on their own and got it done," Allen said.
The Chieftains had to contend with two Panther runners who traveled the field for over 100 yards apiece. Johnson gained 145 on 24 carries and Campbell picked up 106 in six.
"Zach and Brayden ran very hard and the line controlled the line of scrimmage," Allen said. "When those things happen the score takes care of itself."
Hill, who took over quarterback duties with Anderson switching to receiver, has been effective in the change. He was six for eight passing for two touchdowns and Anderson grabbed three of his offerings for 55 yards.
"Isaac's size and athleticism has made his transition to receiver a smooth one," Allen said. "Caleb has also worked very hard to improve every day as a quarterback."
Hill also hit Campbell with a 14 yard pass.
The defense pitched a shutout after the Chieftains scored with 2:15 left in the first quarter.
"The kids took it upon themselves to up their intensity level as the game went on," Allen said. "We didn't really have anyone stand out on defense. It was a good team effort."
The win moved the Panthers to 2-0 in the SWAL and have them in line for a shot at the top spot and a play-off berth.
"The kids are becoming confident that they can do their jobs well consistently," Allen said. "The more confident they become the harder they play and the more fun they have."
The Panthers will travel to Hazel Green tomorrow to face the Wildcats.
"Southwestern is an improving program which is coming off a big win. We will need to play very well," Allen said.