By Whitman McGee
Minden High kicked off its regular season at home Friday night with a visit from Class 5A Parkway and for a second straight season, the Panthers proved to be too much for the home team as the Tide went down 45-14.
Minden started fast, putting together an impressive opening drive that culminated in a 6-yard rushing touchdown by running back Daylen Robinson.
Parkway immediately answered on the next play from scrimmage with a 72-yard bullet that landed in the hands of receiver Ed Moses, who outran defenders to score.
After the successful extra point kick, the Panthers didn’t trail again..
Minden coach Spencer Heard noted too many “little mistakes” on offense and missed tackles on defense that contributed to the loss.
Minden won the time of possession battle and matched the Panthers in the number of first downs gained at 18. However, it was five turnovers and eight penalties (combining for 81 lost yards) that came back to cripple the Tide.
Going into Friday night’s matchup, Heard made it clear that containing Parkway’s speedy halfback Jaylan White was a priority.
White was too elusive and explosive, finishing with 173 yards on just 13 carries.
“Number two [White] is a difference-maker, probably one of the fastest kids I’ve seen in a while,” said Heard, who was impressed by just how challenging it is to take White to the ground.
For the home team, Robinson had an impressive night, finishing with two touchdowns and 99 yards on the ground.
Even though Friday night’s game didn’t go as hoped, Heard understands that mulling over a loss for too long will spell trouble for the Tide.
“We’ve got a lot of things we need to work on and get better at,” he said. “We’ve got a good opponent coming into town next week [Green Oaks], and we’re going to have to flush this one out and get ready for the next one.”
Special thanks to Mark Chreene and KASO/KBEF for providing the Journal with game statistics.
