Westmoreland tunes up with Panthers

Neighboring Portland and host Westmoreland used Friday’s jamboree to fine-tune some things before next week’s season opener.

Here are five things about the Eagles in their 20-7 victory:

American footbal ball

Early success

Westmoreland’s offense racked up 110 rushing yards in their first two drives. The Eagles did not put their first three drives of the half, all of which resulted in touchdowns.

Feeding Crowson

Fullback Hunter Crowson was a focal part of the offense. Crowson had runs of 47 and 21 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown to give the Eagles an early 6-0 lead.

Opportunistic defense

A crucial play by Westmoreland’s defense led to their third score of the night. A bad snap by Portland resulted in a fumble recovery by defensive lineman Tyler Watson. This gave the Eagles the ball at Portland’s 15-yard line, which ended with a 17-yard pass from Blake Carter to Tate Sloan, increasing Westmoreland’s lead to 20-0.

Backups take lumps

Westmoreland’s second-string players entered the game in the second quarter. Penalties and mistakes hurt this group for much of the remainder of the half, including a block in the back and two illegal procedure penalties.

Learning the air

Despite the touchdown pass from Carter, head coach Steve Harris says he still wants to see improvement in this area of the team. “We’re going to have to improve in our passing game,” Harris said. “It’s not where we want it to be. But if we can throw a little bit to keep people honest then that’s going to make our running attack a lot more effective.”

Sumner quotes and notes

Five things about the Panthers following the loss:

Starters stumble

The Panthers’ first-string struggled on both sides of the ball throughout the first quarter. Portland’s offense did not gain a first down in their first three possessions, while failing to force a Westmoreland punt on defense.

Costly mistakes

Turnovers and penalties were also a problem early on. A fumbled snap by starting quarterback Brandon Meador resulted in another Westmoreland touchdown. “It hurt us but you’ve still got to play defense,” head coach Greg Cavanah said. “We didn’t fall on the ball. We tried to pick the ball up when we could’ve fallen on it to get it away from them.”

Johnson breaks loose

The Panthers got on the board late in the second quarter after running back Emmanuel Johnson found the endzone from a 30-yard run, after being limited to only two yards rushing in the first quarter. Johnson will be counted on this season as a focal part of the Panthers’ offense.

Gallatin tested in final scrimmage

Persistence pays

Portland managed to find a big play from the air late in the second quarter. Meador connected with running back Austin Hardy for an 18-yard completion.

Improvement comes later

Head coach Greg Cavanah says he was pleased with improved play in the second quarter, admitting that inexperience in some areas was a factor for his team. “Take nothing away from Westmoreland. They came out early and didn’t make any mistakes. I thought the longer the game went we played better. We’re young in some positions and they exploited our young positions early on their offense. We finally started playing well and started reading our keys the way we were supposed to.”

Station Camp shut out in dress rehearsal

Next week: Portland at Franklin-Simpson (Ky.), Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: The Panthers suffered a 23-14 loss to visiting Franklin-Simpson to open the 2015 season.

Next week: Westmoreland at Trousdale County, Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: The Eagles suffered a 13-7 loss to the visiting Yellow Jackets in last year’s season opener.