Elmore County’s football team came up short in its season opener against the Class 5A Marbury Bulldogs, 35-18, but nonetheless ECHS coach Jordan Cantrell said he saw some “tough dudes” among his Panthers.

Running backs Lapatrick Brown and Keshawn Benson managed to keep Elmore County challenging in the first half with a pair of rushing touchdowns. Brown finished the game with 106 rushing yards and one touchdown. Brown added 64 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.