Football Game Preview: Eastlake Falcons vs. Permian Panthers

Eastlake hasn't had much luck against Permian recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Falcons will head out on the road to challenge the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

It was a Battle of the Birds when Eastlake challenged Coronado on Thursday. The Falcons came out on top against the Thunderbirds by a score of 55-44. The win continues a trend for the Falcons in their matchups with the Thunderbirds: they've now won seven in a row.

Derick Holguin

Rushing Yards

11/06/25 vs Coronado	98
08/28/25 vs Bel Air	94
10/31/25 vs Pebble Hills	89
10/03/25 @ Eastwood	75
09/26/25 vs Montwood	55
+ 5 more games

Eastlake's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Derick Holguin, who rushed for 98 yards and three TDs. Holguin is becoming a predictor of the Falcons' success: when he posts at least 80 rushing yards the team is 2-1 (and 3-4 when he doesn't). Eastlake also got a significant boost from Zeke Herrera, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 100 yards.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Eastlake was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 229 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 192 rushing yards in four consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Permian gave up the first points on Friday, but they didn't give up any more after. They enjoyed a cozy 33-14 victory over Midland. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Panthers' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 56th, while the Bulldogs are ranked 361st).

Eastlake better focus on containing Gavin Black and Kayden Vickers as the pair were huge in Permian's win. Black rushed for 143 yards and one touchdown, while Vickers threw for 250 yards and three TDs while completing 78.9% of his passes. Those 250 passing yards gave Vickers a new career-high.

The win got Eastlake back to even at 5-5. As for Permian, their record now sits at 9-1.

Eastlake lost to Permian on the road by a decisive 27-12 margin when the teams last played back in September. Can the Falcons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.