Football Game Preview: Carlinville Cavaliers vs. Pana Panthers

Carlinville hasn't had much luck against Pana recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Cavaliers will venture away from home to take on the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Carlinville's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.

On Friday, Carlinville earned a 35-27 win over Hillsboro. The Cavaliers haven't had any issues with the Hiltoppers recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.

Meanwhile, Pana humbled Litchfield/Mt. Olive with a 63-21 victory. Considering the Panthers have won six matchups by more than 27 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Carlinville better keep an eye on Cash Lynch. He was instrumental in Pana's win, rushing for 254 yards and four TDs on only six carries. Lynch's longest rush was for an incredible 81 yards. Another player making a difference was Cayden Durbin, who rushed for 160 yards and one touchdown on only 13 carries.

Pana was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 532 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since the start of last season.

Pana didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Lynch and Devin Hurlburt.

Carlinville's record now sits at 7-1. As for Pana, their record is now an identical 7-1.

Carlinville came up short against Pana when the teams last played back in September of 2024, falling 26-14. Can the Cavaliers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.