Panthers Open Season With 42-14 Loss to Van Vleck

By Sharisa Nelson, Sports Reporter

The Anahuac Panthers opened the 2026 football season Friday night, August 28, on the road against the Van Vleck Leopards. Despite a strong offensive effort that produced 318 total yards, the Panthers fell to Van Vleck, 42-14.

Anahuac moved the football effectively throughout the contest, finishing with 259 rushing yards and 59 passing yards. Junior Jaytwan Dowdye led the Panthers’ ground attack with 156 yards on 13 carries, averaging 12.0 yards per carry. Dowdye also found the end zone once and recorded a long run of 46 yards.

Senior Darius Richardson added 72 rushing yards on 13 carries, while senior quarterback Braydon Sutch completed 5 of 15 passes for 59 yards and one touchdown. Senior Darion Williams was the Panthers’ leading receiver, hauling in three passes for 48 yards, including a 24-yard reception, and scoring one touchdown.

The Panthers also showed signs of production in the return game. Sophomore Treyson Richardson recorded a 22-yard kickoff return, while sophomore Caden Arvie contributed two punt returns for 12 yards and a kickoff return for six yards.

Defensively, Williams led Anahuac with six total tackles, followed by junior Colt Jones and sophomore Caden Arvie, who each recorded five tackles. Sophomore Cooper Hutchins, senior MyQuiet Davis, and sophomore Blayne Lanferman each added four tackles. Jones also recorded a sack, while junior Andrew Start was credited with two quarterback hurries.
The Panthers received two extra points from sophomore A.J. Munoz, who was perfect on two point-after attempts.

While the 42-14 final score was not the result Anahuac wanted to begin the season, the Panthers showed offensive explosiveness, particularly on the ground. With the opener now behind them, Anahuac will look to make adjustments and build on the positives as they prepare for Week 2.

The Panthers will remain on the road Friday, September 4, when they travel to Livingston to take on the Livingston Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Anahuac enters the matchup with an 0-1 record, while the Panthers will be looking to earn their first victory of the young season.

The Anahuac Panthers will travel to Livingston to take on the Livingston Lions on Friday, September 4 with kickoff at 7:00 pm.