Football Recap: Pana Starts Season with Win on the Road

Pana had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They enjoyed a cozy 46-27 win over the Hillsboro Hiltoppers on Friday. Given the Panthers' advantage in MaxPreps' Illinois football rankings (they are ranked 199th, while the Hiltoppers are ranked 415th) , the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Pana got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Cash Lynch out in front who picked up 143 receiving yards and a pair of scores, and also punched in one touchdown on the ground. Lynch was no stranger to the big play, lighting up the secondary with a catch that went for 60 yards. Cayden Durbin was another key rusher, rushing for 102 yards and two TDs.

Panthers

Rushing Yards

08/29/25 @ Hillsboro	278
11/16/24 @ Johnston City	113
11/09/24 vs Vandalia	148
11/01/24 vs Shelbyville	194
10/25/24 vs Staunton/Bunker Hill	200
+ 5 more games

Pana was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 278 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2024.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Pana will face off against rival Southwestern at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Hillsboro is set to challenge their familiar foe Vandalia at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.