The Palmetto Panthers are taking a road trip to challenge the Vero Beach Indians at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Palmetto is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 65-41 margin over Goleman. The victory was familiar territory for the Panthers, who have now won five matchups in a row.
It was another big night for Butler Aiden, who rushed for 193 yards and four scores while picking up 10.7 yards per carry. Those 193 rushing yards gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Andre Bailey, who threw for 204 yards and a pair of TDs on only 17 passes.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Palmetto was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 238 rushing yards. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their rushing yard total in three consecutive contests.
Jaiden Henry
| 11/28/25 vs Goleman | 3 |
| 11/21/25 vs Columbus | 1 |
| 10/30/25 vs Bishop Verot | 1 |
| 10/06/25 @ Homestead | 1 |
| 10/03/25 vs South Dade | 1 |
| + 4 more games |
Another reason for the win was Palmetto's imposing defensive line, which managed to get into the backfield for six sacks. In that department, Jaiden Henry was the leader with three. Thanks to that big game, he is now up to 14 sacks on the season. Palmetto received some extra help from Kelsey Veargis, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Meanwhile, Vero Beach hadn't done well against Dr. Phillips recently (they were 0-3 in their previous three matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Indians put the hurt on the Panthers with a sharp 49-23 win. With the Indians ahead 42-7 at the half, the game was all but over already.
Vero Beach had a senior duo take command as Efrem White rushed for 74 yards and four touchdowns on only ten carries and Jonathan Hillsman gained 162 total yards and two touchdowns.
Special teams was a major factor in the game for Vero Beach, racking up 13 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Traveon Townsend, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.
Palmetto's record is now 11-2. As for Vero Beach, their record now sits at 13-0.
Palmetto came up short against Vero Beach in their previous meeting back in September of 2022, falling 21-17. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
