For the first time in quite a few years, the Jefferson High Panthers suffered a loss in their season opener Saturday. Facing Florence-Carlton at the U of M Griz stadium in Missoula, the Panthers seemed well-matched to Florence in the early going. Strong defensive plays kept both teams scoreless in the first quarter, and only one TD separated them at the half. But the second half would prove to be too much for the JHS squad.
After the Panthers kicked to open the game, Florence drove down to the Panther 8-yard line before a good Panther defense along with some penalties and errors pushed Florence back to the 50. Unable to move the ball, Florence was forced to punt and the Panthers went on offense.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, Florence intercepted a JHS pass and took the ball to the Panther 13. A successful Florence pass moved the ball two yards from the end zone but the next snap went right by the quarterback and backed Florence up to the 17. A quarterback fumble moved Florence even further in reverse, and the Panther defense stopped them on the 22.
