Unbeaten Panthers Roll Past Conrad
Hillcrest has already surpassed its win total from all of last season, and the Panthers are still two weeks away from starting district play.
They’ve opened the season with three dominating victories, including a 65-0 thrashing of rival Conrad on Thursday at Franklin Stadium.
The Panthers (3-0) have outscored their opponents by a combined margin of 182-7 so far this season. And while the competition level might not be great, keep in mind that Hillcrest lost two of those same matchups a year ago. So they appear to be vastly improved.
Thursday’s onslaught included seven first-half touchdowns, a 37-point outburst in the second quarter, and a 51-0 halftime advantage.
As usual, Nasir Reynolds paced the attack with 132 rushing yards and four touchdowns on only eight carries. The dynamic junior hasn’t really been unleashed yet this season because of Hillcrest’s lopsided scores, but he’s still amassed 389 yards on just 16 attempts, for an average of more than 24 yards per carry.
Also on Thursday, Gabriel Granados threw a pair of touchdown passes, including a 38-yarder to Dejon Baker. Khalib Belk grabbed the other scoring pass. Makhi Byrd and Ethan Hernandez added touchdown runs.
The Hillcrest defense limited the Chargers (0-3) to 102 total yards and intercepted two passes, one of which Zion Cornelius returned for a score.
The Panthers will travel to face Bonham in their final nondistrict game on Sept. 20 before returning home the following week for the District 6-4A Div. 1 opener against Pinkston.
