Tonight, in the first home game of the season for the West Plains Zizzers, they faced off against the Mountain Grove Panthers. The evening started hot not just with the weather but with the plays. Each team brought out strong defense at the beginning, and unfortunately, the Panthers broke the first point gain, and claimed another point through a kick. Despite that, a 65-yard touchdown was performed by the West Plains team, courtesy player Combs, they also gained an extra point through a kick, leading to a tie. Defensive lines maintained themselves through the end of the quarter, seeing quarter 2 start with both teams at 7.
The second quarter seemed to start slow, without many points gained by either team. The Panthers stuck with their strategy of running the ball, and eventually managed to score along with a point kick, pulling themselves ahead, 14 to 7. The Zizzers gained control of the ball and quickly managed to pressure the Panthers on the first play, gaining 60 yards. However, the Zizzers were stopped by the Panther defense and fumbled the ball, turning it over. As this took place, Grove held the ball until time ran out, ending Q2 with their lead, 14 to 7.
Up to the halfway mark, the Mountain Grove Panthers had, for the most part, dominated time over the ball. Learning from their mistakes, the Zizzers began to meet the Panthers at their own game, meeting them with charging physicality. The Zizzers managed to push and tie the game with the clock at around 7:30 left in Q3. Despite how well both teams weather the heat, the third quarter then quickly began to see players dropping from cramps, with four happening in a short period, mostly on the side of the Panthers. The Zizzers pushed their advantage and changed tactics, leading to an additional touchdown, 20 to 14. The third quarter ended not long after.
The fourth and final quarter appeared to present itself as a potentially quick game as the Zizzers managed to get another 65-yard run into a touchdown, widening a point gap between themselves and the Panthers. They attempted a 2-point conversion but failed, with the score then 26-14. The Zizzers held out for the rest of the quarter, solidifying their win.
