The Jefferson High Panthers made their annual pilgrimage to Missoula on Aug. 30, opening the 2019 football campaign against Florence-Carlton under the lights at the University of Montana’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
It was the third time in three years that these teams have opened the season at the Griz. The Panthers were looking to avenge last year’s 23-0 thumping – and, for that matter, to dispel memories of last year’s disappointing 2-6 season.
They didn’t get their way, losing 28-15 — but it was a promising start.
The Panthers’ second-half kickoff was returned by Florence-Carlton for a touchdown, closing the gap to 15-14. That would be all the scoring for the third.
But the fourth period was all Florence. A rushing touchdown and two-point conversion with eight minutes left made it 22-15. Another score in the last minute sealed the result: 28-15, Falcons.
Jefferson takes this week off, then will host Columbus in its first conference game on Sept. 13. That marks Homecoming Week at JHS: Royalty will be introduced at the volleyball match vs. Broadwater on Thursday, Aug. 12, and the King/Queen winners will be announced at the football game the next day.
