CABOT — Cabot Panthers scored on its first play from scrimmage and never looked back in a 56-25 victory over Van Buren on Friday night.
Weston Conard broke away for a 64-yard touchdown run as Cabot (2-7, 1-5 7A-Central) ran wild in the first half. The Panthers rushed for 393 yards and 6 touchdowns on 32 rushes in the first half. Cabot led Van Buren 42-12 at halftime.
“This was a really good win for these kids,” Cabot Coach Mike Malham said. “ They’ve worked hard all year and deserve a good win.”
The Panthers scored on all six of their first-half possessions. Sophomore Zach Launius rushed 12 times for 178 yards and 3 touchdowns in the half and finished with 16 carries for 240 yards and 4 scores. Conard had 126 yards and 2 touchdowns on 6 carries.
Each of Cabot’s first-half drives were between 60 to 80 yards thanks to Van Buren also consistently moving the ball. The Pointers just couldn’t get it in the end zone to keep pace with the Panthers.
Van Buren quarterback Jacob Eason completed 32 of51 passes for 349 yards and 4 touchdowns and threw 2 interceptions. He was 15 of 27 for 204 yards in the first half. The Pointers had two receivers finish with 10 receptions each. William Walton finished with 170 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving, while Bradley Eversole had 74 yards and a score. Wacey Conner added seven receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Both of Eason’s interceptions were by Bryson Morris.
The Panthers held the Pointers to 44 yards on 25 rushes. Cabot had 527 yards and 8 touchdowns on 54 rushes.
Sports, Pages 28 on 10/29/2011