Morton Ranch Mavericks vs. Paetow Panthers - October 3, 2025

     On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Morton Ranch Mavericks hosted the Paetow Panthers at Rhodes Stadium. Kick off was at 7pm.

    This was the annual Pink Out game for Morton Ranch and was junior high night for both schools. Personally this was a fun night because I had family in town who went to the game with me. 

    The start of the game was not great. While the Mavericks who took the field to start the game and throughout most of the first half might have been the same players who played against Jordan, they didn't play like that team. Watching the Paetow offense run away from the Mavericks looked like a greased pig chase. The Mavericks got to the ball carriers several times, but the Panthers slipped so many tackles. Honestly it was a little odd to watch. It kind of reminded me of a football movie where the hero is the ball carrier and he is running toward the goal line for the game winning touchdown. 

    Something else I noticed, especially in the first half was the total mismatch between players. The Mavericks not as big, not as fast and not as strong.

    Things got better in the second half. I'm not sure what the coaches said during halftime, but it was effective. If the Mavericks had played the entire game like they played the third quarter, they would have won this game. Last week I commented on the Maverick defense all chasing the QB and leaving the receivers open. I've also commented several times about the defensive backs playing too far off the receivers. This week I saw a HUGE improvement in both. Well done!

Box Score
	1st Q	2nd Q	3rd Q	4th Q	Final
Paetow Panthers	13	27	0	20	60
Morton Ranch Mavericks	8	7	14	8	37

    I did notice a Maverick or two complaining to their coaches that the referees were missing calls. While I did not see the specific things that they were complaining about, I did see a few other missed calls that did result in points on the board. Referees need to do better.

    Time for the best part of the blog - the attaboys. Because I was visiting with family during the game, I didn't catch as many jersey numbers to give the credit due for some good plays. If you see any of these players this week, please give them a pat on the back, they earned it. This week's attaboys go to C. Brown, K. Jenkins, T. Williams, C. Williams, T. Lazar, D. Hamilton, T. Williams, T. Eli, #31, H. Reed, & S. Fontenette. If anyone knows who #31 is, please let me know. I take note of jersey numbers during the game and look up their names on MaxPreps. If there is a better source for the Mavericks roster, please let me know.

    Next up for the Mavericks is their last game in Rhodes Stadium for this season. The game will take place on Thursday, October 9 between the Morton Ranch Mavericks and the Thompkins Falcons. Kick off is scheduled for 7pm. Be there or be square. 

GO MAVERICKS!