Panthers bounce back against Carroll, build momentum heading into Region 2 play

After a hard loss last week, the Elmore County Panthers bounced back with a 36-20 win over the Carroll-Ozark Eagles. Eli Thames led the offense with 126 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Senior linebacker Connor Pike, quarterback Gage Davis and running back Sam King also got on the board for the Panthers in the Class 5A Region 2 football opener on Friday night.

“We were able to force a fumble, get the recovery,” ECHS coach Kyle Caldwell said. “Jump out to an early 7-0 lead and just maintain the momentum from there. Their defense played really well all night. It was the kind of defensive game we’re used to, playing a lot of guys, making some different plays. Some young guys really stepped up in key moments.”