Stettler Panthers scored a home victory as they beat Red Deer Hornets 32-12 on Saturday, Sept. 12 in the first game of the season.
On the crisp September morning Stettler fans were not disappointed, as the Hornets became casualties to Panthers offence and defense.
"It was exciting for the season to open with a win," said coach and defensive coordinator Zeke Ryan. "The boys on the defense played strong, the offence played strong, too in the first quarter and then idled for a bit in the second."
Dave Butterwick scored three touchdowns and Carson Moitous had two touchdowns in the game.
Although the Panthers had a slow start they picked up the pace as the game progressed.
"Our team got off to a slow start, which was kind of expected as most of the players were experiencing their first game ever," said coach Ernie Shireff. "At half-time we made some adjustments and the team responded well as we dominated the third quarter scoring three times and allowing nothing from the Red Deer Hornets till a late touchdown in the fourth quarter."
Emphasizing on how far they have come as a team, Ryan thinks the team will get stronger as the season progresses.
"They will still learn and get stronger as the practices take place and weeks go on," added Ryan. "The team will prosper by the end of the season."
Panthers play Drumheller next on Saturday, Sept. 20.