It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Alvarado had no problem doing just that on Thursday. They had just enough and edged the Panther Creek Panthers out 44-41. The Indians' victory was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.
Alvarado's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Demarcus Belton, who picked up 133 receiving yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries. Alvarado also relied on Belton, who's 45-yard boot wound up being the difference in the game. Another signal caller making a difference was Cardea Collier, who threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns.
Alvarado wouldn't let Panther Creek keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. Alvarado can thank Anthony Frias and D.J. Clampitt for forcing all of them. With that strong performance, Frias is now averaging an impressive 5.4 total tackles per game. Schyler Dethorne was another major factor on D, making 18 total tackles (2.0 for loss) and snagged an interception.
Special teams played a big role in the game for Alvarado, adding 14 points to the final score. All came courtesy of Isaiah Sanchez: he went 3-for-3 kicking field goals for nine points, and 5-for-5 kicking extra points for an additional five.
Despite the loss, Panther Creek had strong showings from Cristian Trickett, who picked up 162 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and Graylyn Fry, who threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns. Fry is on a roll when it comes to passing touchdowns, as he's now passed for three or more in the last five games he's played.
Alvarado pushed their record up to 12-0 with the victory, which was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 32.6 points. As for Panther Creek, their defeat ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 10-2.
Alvarado will face off against Sulphur Springs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Sulphur Springs is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 35.2 points per game this season. Panther Creek does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
