North Crowley stepped into the postseason looking like a team on a mission, and Midland Legacy never found a way to slow the Panthers down. By the time the final horn sounded Saturday, the Panthers had unleashed a 63-17 dismantling that looked much like the rest of their season: fast, physical and wildly one-sided.
Everything hummed for North Crowley’s offense. Quarterback Kade Smith was nearly flawless, needing only nine attempts to produce 133 yards and three touchdowns. Every throw seemed to stretch the defense, and when he dialed up Aiden Whitmore, the Rebels had no answer. Whitmore turned in 75 receiving yards and scored twice, torching the secondary with ease.
Midland Legacy did have one bright spot in the form of running back Hayes Hamm, who showed up ready to fight. Hamm churned out 113 yards and a touchdown, continuing his late-season surge with a third straight game crossing the 100-yard mark. But as impressive as his effort was, it could not keep pace with a North Crowley offense that scored in waves.
The Panthers extended their winning streak to eight games and improved to 11-1, continuing an explosive run in which they have averaged nearly 59 points per contest. Midland Legacy saw its season close at 6-6, snapping a three-game run of victories.
Next up for North Crowley is a high-powered clash with Coppell at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. The Cowboys have been lighting up scoreboards themselves, topping 31 points in four straight outings, setting the stage for a postseason shootout.
