PHOTO: Brian McLean
By Brian Gosset
X – @gosset41
X – @gmsportsmedia1
gmsportsmedia2023@gmail.com
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Hayes Cloutier hit Pryce Demerson on a 49-yard touchdown pass and catch that gave North Crowley a 22-18 lead with 6:45 left in the fourth quarter and the Panthers hung on late to beat Lancaster in the season opener on Thursday night at Crowley ISD Stadium.
North Crowley went 16-0 last season capped with the Class 6A D1 state championship over Austin Westlake.
Lancaster got the ball back with a minute left, but with no timeouts – two sacks by North Crowley essentially ended the game.
The Tigers took a 16-15 lead on a QB run by Joseph Hairston with under a minute left in the third quarter. Then a successful two-point conversion gave Lancaster an 18-15 margin heading into the final 12 minutes.
North Crowley WR Damarion Mays, one of the best 2028 players in the country, made a nice catch in the third quarter that gave the Panthers a 15-10 lead. North Crowley trailed 10-8 at halftime.
Lancaster took a lead into the break after hitting a field goal as time expired.
The game was broadcasted on CW33.
North Crowley dominated the 2024 season and produced one of the best offenses all-time. The Panthers beat Westlake 50-21 in the championship game – their second title in program history and first under head coach Ray Gates.
But it’s a new look for the Panthers with only eight starters back including just two on offense. One of those offensive starters are on the line with 2026 John Turntine III, who committed to Texas in July. Turntine is ranked as high as #4 in the state by 247Sports.
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football still has NC #1 in District 3-6A.
They have Lancaster, which went to the second round, at #4 in District 11-6A.
