Panthers kickoff season with Jamboree

Mountain Grove Panthers’ football fans received a first view of their favorite team during the Jamboree held Friday, Aug. 22 on their home field. The event also featured football teams from Willow Springs, Thayer and Houston.
It didn’t take long for the Panthers to strike in their 15-play offensive match-up with the Bears.
Brayden Curtiss started with a 15-yard carry followed one play later by Eli Garner’s 25-yard touchdown run.
Starting their second possession from the 40, Damien LaFranchise had a 14-yard carry before scoring from four yards out. On the very next play, Brody Bevan scored on a 40-yard touchdown run.
Defensively, the Panthers’ defense was led by Jacob Crosco on the first play with a big sack for a loss. Kaden Murphy came up big with a pair of knocked down passes in a row.
In the second scrimmage, the Panthers’ offense started in a battle with Thayer.
Aden Estep picked up a 27-yard run before one drive stalled.
On the very last offensive play, Bevan scored on a 20-yard touchdown run.
Thayer’s offense was unable to move the ball more than five yards on their first possession.
A big 22-yard run was halted after a tackle by Estep saved a touchdown.
With the JV defense in, the Panthers stuffed the Bobcats on the 4.
Mountain Grove used mostly JV players in the Houston scrimmage. Bevan had a 16-yard carry moments before TJ Brown had a 31-yard touchdown scramble.
The Tigers would score a pair of touchdowns late in the scrimmage to end the evening.
Preview
Mountain Grove head coach Dan Swofford is entering his second season with the Panthers after leading them to a 7-4 overall record with a 6-1 SCA Conference finish a season ago.
Last year, his Panthers had a seven-game winning streak before falling to Mt. Vernon in the postseason.
With several key returners, there is a lot of excitement for what year two may hold for Coach Swofford’s Panthers and his staff.
Offensively, the group is led by quarterback Aden Estep along with running backs Brayden “Wood” Curtiss and Eli Golden as well as Kayden Murphy.
Up front, Malaki Davis, Damien Martin, Payton Metty and Sam Smith will also be key returning to the line-up. Jacob Crosco and Kale Gardner are expected to help in the receiving corps.
Newcomers expected to make an impact offensively include receivers Brett Gardner and Joey Hickox along with running back Brody Bevan. Up front, Carson Gibson will play a role as well.
Defensively, the defensive line returns Slade Rodgers. Joining him there will be Ethan Archuleta, Brannon Short and Joey Kennedy.
The linebacking corps is solid with Aiden Barbe, Curtiss and Murphy.
The secondary features Estep, Golden, Kale Gardner, Aiden Kumpula and Caleb Oliphant.
Mountain Grove opens this Friday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in Fair Grove to take on the Eagles.