Panthers roll Raiders, improve to 3-0

The Panthers remain perfect after a 44-30 victory at Crescent Valley on Friday.

Friday’s game wasn’t as close as the final score indicates. As the Raiders scored on their last possession to narrow the gap.

After a tightly contested first half, Central (-00, 30 overall) dominated the game late.

“We struggled in the first half offensively with some changes CV had for us up front,” coach Joel Everett said. “But we did well to adjust and scored well in the second half.”

The team’s other wins have come against Eagle Point, 42-0, and Class 6A Beaverton, 29-22.

The Panthers, ranked third in the state, will have to wait for their chance at a fourth straight win. They have a bye this week.

Central returns home Friday, Sept. 27, to host fourth-ranked South Albany. Kick off is 7 p.m.

For years, the RedHawks and Panthers were Mid-Willamette Conference rivals. But realignment moved Central into Special District 2 and South Albany into Special District 3. Both SDs are new this year

This game is the preseason finale for the Panthers.