Palo Verde allowed 20 points in the fourth quarter but held on for its first win of the season, 28-27, against Sports Leadership & Management on Friday night.
Jacob Fields caught two touchdown passes from Crew Dannels, and senior Blair Thayer ran for two more scores.
"First thing I want to highlight is SLAM's effort," said Palo Verde coach Joe Aznarez. "They deserved not to lose that game."
The Panthers came off a disheartening 39-7 season-opening loss to Liberty in which they allowed 25 points in the second quarter.
With a chance to rebound, Palo Verde struggled against the 3A opponent.
"They have some athletes over there [at SLAM]," Aznarez said. "They've did a great job of utilizing their athletes, and we did not."
The road doesn't get easier for Palo Verde with a road game against the reigning 4A champion Silverado next Friday.
"It seems daunting at this moment right now, barely squeaking by a 3A opponent," Aznarez said. "Our kids did not feel like they won that game once we left the field and got on the bus, I can tell you that."