THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Permian High School Athletics

The good news for the Permian Panthers is they have a playoff victory under their belt and a bit of momentum heading into the second round of the playoffs. The bad news is so does everyone else still alive in the postseason, including the Arlington Lamar Vikings. The Panthers (8-3) and Vikings (10-1) meet for the fifth time, but the first since 1991, at 3 p.m. today in a Class 6A Division I area playoff game at Abilene Christian University’s Wildcat Stadium. “Arlington Lamar’s a good football team and from here on out you’re playing a lot of good football teams,” Permian coach Jeff Ellison said. “That’s the whole purpose of those, to find out in the state of Texas who’s the best of the best. “Everybody’s coming off a win from the week before. Just like every week, you prepare yourself throughout the season as far as wins and losses. You’ve got to prepare each week for each game. That’s what we’ve done so far.” The Panthers and Vikings have some similarities in that both lost rivalry games to decide district championships in the final week of the regular season, then bounced back with convincing victories in last week’s bi-district round. Permian blanked El Paso Coronado 42-0, recording its first playoff shutout since 1994, while Lamar used a 34-point second quarter to subdue San Angelo Central 55-14. The winner of today’s game advances to the regional round to take on the winner of Saturday’s game between Lewisville (9-2) and No. 5 Duncanville (11-0). To get there, Permian safety Chase Stell said, will require the Panthers to take their game to another level. “We have to pick up our game a lot more,” said Stell, who had his team-leading six interception last week, returning it 40 yards to set up a scoring drive. “Everyone’s going to have momentum, but it’s Thanksgiving break and everyone’s not going to be focused. “We’re going to stay focused. (The coaches) keep it pretty much on schedule. A good part of the day’s just football.” Slotback Justin Hammond said the Panthers got the week off to a good start in their first practice. “We’ve just got to work really hard,” he said. “I feel like we work better than anybody in the state or any football team. If we just keep practicing like we did (Monday), it’ll show on Friday.” Hammond produced a big game against Coronado, accounting for 126 all-purpose yards with touchdowns rushing, receiving and passing. Along the way, he took a couple of snaps at quarterback and threw his first pass of the season as Permian unveiled some new wrinkles. “It makes it real fun adding new plays like that,” Hammond said, “especially in playoffs, and shocking everybody with big plays and stuff like that.” Ellison said the key for the Panthers is to continue the improvement the team has achieved over the course of the season. “You try to prepare to grow and get better as the season goes on,” he said. “You don’t want to peak too early. The way that the season’s been going, there are certain scenarios we’ve been in. Just kind of where we are right now, things are going our way. You’ve got to continue that. “I think we’ve got a good plan as far as how our practices are going and how to start routines that allow us to have good games.” The teams come in rather even statistically, with Lamar averaging 435.5 total yards (235.7 rushing, 197.8 passing) and 48.5 points per game. Permian averages 437.7 total yards (279.4 rushing, 158.4 passing) and 40.1 points. The Vikings defense has posted three shutouts this season, while Permian recorded its second last week. “Offensively, they do a great job of both (rushing and passing),” Ellison said. “They’re a balanced football team. They have a great offensive line, a great running back. The quarterback is outstanding, along with their wide receivers. We’ve got a great opponent. “Defensively, they run to the ball well. They’re intense. They’re a good football team.” Lamar running back Jordan Williams has rushed for 1,673 yards and 21 touchdowns, while quarterback Jack Dawson is 122 of 210 passing for 2,174 yards with 34 TDs and six interceptions. The main receivers are Trevon Wes (36-795, 15 TDs), Isaiah Neyo (30-683, 6 TDs) and Cam Brady (23-446, 7 TDs). Defensively, the Vikings are led by linebacker Javeion Moore (66 total tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks) and outside linebackers James Douglas (39 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 INT) and James Grando (31 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 fumble recoveries). Defensive back Jaylen Nobles leads the team with three interceptions and nine pass breakups.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Permian High School Athletics

PERMIAN READY FOR AREA-ROUND PLAYOFF MATCHUP

SAM WALLER

Odessa American | 11/25/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Permian Athletics