Kicking off the 2019 football season, the Klein Oak Panthers played their first game against the Langham Creek Lobos on Aug. 30, playing in enemy territory at Cy-Fair’s FCU Stadium the Panthers couldn’t rely on home-field advantage to give them the edge.

Instead, the Panthers put their skills, and coaching to the test and displayed what they’re made of, and the Panthers put on an exciting show of talent and hard work.

Beginning with the Oak offense the first score of the game came from junior running back Troy Smith on an 81 yard touchdown after a big block coming from senior offensive lineman Blain Birner.

“I’m thankful for my outstanding offensive-line for allowing me to make my first varsity touchdown,” Smith said. “I could hear the cheers of all my Klein Oak friends and family which made me go a little faster, and I was proud to share that moment with all of them.”

The defense kept up with the offense’s momentum after forcing the Lobos to punt following a huge sack from senior Keon Jones, giving the offense a strong starting point for their next campaign to the endzone.

The Panthers began with a few small gains thanks to their running backs but the real progress began after senior Dwight McGlothern’s intense one-handed catch and a few flashy moves putting the offense in a good position to punch the ticket for their second score of the game, which is exactly what happened.

Elyjaiah Durden was picked out by quarterback Montrell Bolton on a route that directed Durden straight into the end zone, giving Oak their second score of the night putting them up against the Lobos 14-0 early in the second quarter.

“I looked the ball all the way into my hands just making sure I caught it. I had a great block from John Diggins and after that, I saw nothing between me and the endzone,” Elyjaiah Durden said.

The Black and Gold’s offense was once again put in an ideal position to stretch their already convincing lead moving into halftime. Unfortunately, Oak was unable to come up with a touchdown but was able to score a field goal thanks to junior Griffin Kohl, strengthening the lead.

The Lobos, thanks to their quarterbacks’ shifty plays made its charge in the third quarter to around Oak’s 30 yard line and attempted to a field goal. The Oak defense, with the help of the Panthers student section’s loud chants dictated the Lobos kicker to miss to the left, fastening the hold Klein Oak had on Langham Creek.

Moving into the fourth quarter the Klein Oak defense did their job to absolute perfection, securing the win and a shutout victory against the Langham Creek Lobos, 17-0.

The Panthers carried the momentum from their first win of the season onto Cypress Creek High School with another victory, 23-21 Sept. 6.

Oak will play their third game of the year while they work to keep up the winning streak against Klein High School at 7 pm at Klein Memorial Stadium Sep.12.