Panthers Pull Upset at Gore, Advance to Quarterfinals

The Barnsdall Panthers are headed to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1979 after a thrilling 29-26 win at Gore on Friday night. The Panthers rode running back turned quarterback Micheal Marin to the victory.
Gore got on the board first with a short rushing touchdown late in the first quarter. However, the Panthers would respond quickly. Marin ran for 30 yards on the game’s first big play. Then the senior tailback found the endzone for the first time on the night.
With just 30 seconds before the half Joe Cole rushed for a short score that put Barnsdall up 14-7. Then the excitement really started in the third quarter. The teams combined for three turnovers in the first seven minutes. Barnsdall’s Braden Kelley had an interception in the endzone and shortly after he a recovered a fumble. The Panthers would stretch lead to 21-7 on this touchdown pass from Joe Cole to Heath Moles with two minutes to go in the third quarter.
The drama would increase from there. Cole would be ejected after a questionable call on hard tackle while the Panthers were on defense. Gore would score once again to make it 21-14. With Cole in the locker room, Marin moved to QB and provided the highlight of the night.
Gore would tack on two touchdowns in the fourth quarter but the Panthers would hold on to win their second straight road game. Due to OSSAA rule the Panthers will host No. 1 Cashion next Friday in the state quarterfinals.