Holtville will host the Panthers at 7 p.m. Thursday at Boykin-Chapman Field
The Holtville Bulldogs will welcome the Elmore County Panthers to Boykin-Chapman Field on Thursday night for an important early-season region matchup between two familiar county opponents.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.
Holtville enters the contest with a 2–1 overall record and a 1–0 mark in region play. After opening the season with a 35–7 loss to Sylacauga, the Bulldogs responded with two high-scoring victories, a thrilling 34–33 win over Shelby County and a 50–40 road victory over Tallassee.
The Bulldogs have scored 84 points across their last two games, showing an ability to move the football and finish drives under pressure. Holtville’s one-point victory over Shelby County tested the team’s composure, while the win at Tallassee demonstrated its ability to produce in a high-scoring region contest.
Holtville’s offense has been powered by a deep and productive rushing attack.
Senior running back Daishaun Zeigler leads the Bulldogs with an average of 108.3 rushing yards per game and four total touchdowns. Junior Jay Lucas is averaging 87.7 yards per game with three touchdowns, while junior Cole Parrish has added 69 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Gavin Russom has contributed through the air and on the ground. Russom has thrown four touchdown passes, with junior receiver Chance Brock leading Holtville at 60 receiving yards per game and two receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, senior Napoleon Goodson leads the Bulldogs with 11.5 tackles per game. Senior linebacker Blake Irvin follows with 10 tackles per game, while freshman Talan Kramer is averaging seven. Michael Burr and Zeigler have each recorded a sack, and Bryant Boone has collected an interception.
Elmore County comes into Thursday’s game with a 1–2 overall record and an 0–1 mark in region competition.
The Panthers opened their season with a 44–29 victory over Chilton County before falling 28–14 to Central of Clay County and 35–6 to Marbury.
Elmore County has several offensive players. According to the Panthers’ reported statistics, freshman Karsen Haskins leads the team with 87 rushing yards per game, while senior Tyler Payton is averaging 80 rushing yards per game.
Junior receiver Beau Traylor has been the Panthers’ leading target, averaging 112 receiving yards per game with two touchdown receptions. Payton has also been one of Elmore County’s top scoring threats.
For Holtville, the first priority will be continuing to establish its rushing attack. Zeigler, Lucas and Parrish give the Bulldogs multiple options out of the backfield, allowing Holtville to keep the Panthers’ defense guessing and control the pace of the game.
The Bulldogs must also limit Elmore County’s explosive plays. Haskins and Payton present a strong rushing combination, while Traylor gives the Panthers a dangerous option in the passing game.
Turnovers could ultimately determine the outcome. Elmore County’s defense has already produced several takeaways, and Holtville will need to protect the football while attempting to create additional opportunities for its own offense.
Thursday’s contest also gives the Bulldogs an opportunity to build on their early region success. A victory would move Holtville to 2–0 in region play, extend its winning streak to three games and give the Bulldogs valuable momentum heading into the next portion of their schedule.
Elmore County won last season’s meeting 28–10, giving Holtville another source of motivation as the Bulldogs prepare to defend their home field.
Matchup: Elmore County Panthers at Holtville Bulldogs
Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Location: Boykin-Chapman Field
Address: 10425 Holtville Road, Deatsville
Tickets: Purchase through GoFan
The Bulldogs will need a strong home-field atmosphere Thursday night as they look to continue their winning streak and take another important step in region competition.
