The Ray-Pec Panthers come into the Edward Jones Dome Saturday ready to play their second State Championship game in three years. Two years ago, the Panthers went 12-0 during the season, and fell by one point to Webster Grove, 22-23.
The Panthers had some unfinished buisness to take care of this year. Just two years ago, the Panthers were the only Kansas City Metro team to NOT win a state championship. This year they are opposite, and all of the Kansas City Metro Area schools are riding on their Shoulders. If the Panthers Win, they will be the only Kansas City team to win a state championship this year, on the other hand, if they lose, St. Louis will get the 6 game sweep this year.
The Panthers, who are used to scoring early and going up early in the game, couldn't produce on offense very well. The Stars scored first, but missed the extra point, as they go up 6-0.
The First half was a defensive struggle for both teams. Neither team could stop the others offense. The whole first half, their was only one punt, for both teams, unfortunatly it was the Panthers who had to punt. Going into halftime the Panthers were down 15-16.
The Panthers, who are known to be a second half team, proved it once again. They held the Stars to punt on their first drive. The Panthers got a good return, then drove down to score a touchdown. When the Panthers kicked off to the Stars, They fumbled the kickoff, as Derrick Washington picks it up and returns it for another Ray-Pec touchdown. The Panthers are now up 29-16.
The Panthers defense stepped it up and held the Stars yet again with an interception by Marlin Mourning. That set up for another Ray-Pec touchdown. They went for the two point conversion and got it! The score was now 37-16.
The only points the Stars scored the whole second half was a saftey that kicker Matt McLanahan stepped out of the endzone. This resulted in a better punting spot, and wouldn't give the Stars as good of field position.
The Ray-Pec Panthers went on to win their first State Championship in school's history, 37-18! The Panthers finished 13-0.
Here is an interesting Stat. Over the past Three years, The Panthers record is...
32-4
