Palo Verde’s Gunnar Gooch returned a fumble for a touchdown on the first play of the game Friday night against Cimarron-Memorial in a 50-14 victory.
Ja’kari Burrell also had a fumble return for a score for the Panthers, while Cedric Cade Jr. contributed a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Palo Verde receives a first round playoff bye.
“It’s nice to head into the playoffs with a good win,” Panthers coach Joe Aznarez said.
Crew Dannels completed 8 of 12 passes for 212 yards with touchdown passes to Furious Hoskins and Isaac Cibrian.