The Pampa Harvesters (0-2, 2-5) hosted their first District 2-4A game against the West Plains Wolves (2-0, 4-3). This is the first game which truly felt like fall outside. Temperatures rested in the mid-60s. The bigger issue was the 20 mph sustained south winds, gusting to 30 mph. This meant anyone driving toward the south (McNeely Fieldhouse side) would have a hard time in the passing and kicking game into the strong wind. Anyone driving to the north side of the field (Worrell Street/Scoreboard side) would have the wind at their backs. It is truly the first game of the season where weather has played a factor for Pampa.
The Harvesters won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. West Plains would begin the game driving toward the south end. The Wolves had a long run into Pampa territory called back due to a block-in-the-back penalty. West Plains would face a crucial third and 17 after a Pampa timeout with 10:30 to go in the first quarter. The Wolves had a seven-yard punt due to the wind. Pampa began their first drive with great field position at the Wolves 25-yard line. Junior Running Back Max Neff was back in action for the Harvesters and began the drive with back-to-back runs for six yards total. A field goal attempt by Junior Kicker Jerimiah Davis was blocked with 8:42 to play in the first quarter.
On the fifth play of the ensuing Wolves drive, the West Plains quarterback found a receiver for a 51-yard touchdown strike. After the extra point was good, the Wolves led 7-0 with 6:59 to play in the first quarter. Neff had a couple of good runs on the next Pampa drive for seven and eight yards, respectively. Junior Quarterback also found Junior Tight End Clayton Ward for a five yard pass on the drive before the Harvesters had to punt. West Plains drove right down the field again to put more points on the board for a 14-0 lead with 1:02 to play in the first quarter.
Pampa was stifled on their next drive and turned it over after an interception at the Wolves 42-yard line. On the first play of the second quarter, the Wolves struck paydirt again with a 46-yard touchdown strike to take a 21-0 lead with 11:52 to play in the first half.
The Harvesters punted again after not finding much offense and the Wolves began their next drive in good field position at the Pampa 49 with 9:28 to play in the half. The Wolves ate some clock and punched it in again with 5:07 to play in the half and now led 28-0.
The Wolves added another one play touchdown with a guy wide open for 44-yards and another score. West Plains led 35-0 with 2:03 to play in the first quarter.
Senior Defensive Back/Running Back Christian Davalos had a nice kickoff return for 30 yards after the West Plains score. After a penalty on West Plains, Pampa had some good field position to begin their drive. The Harvesters were unable to get anything going again. West Plains called a few timeouts to try and score again before the half but were unable to do so.
Halftime score: West Plains 35, Pampa 0.
The Harvesters finally had some offensive fireworks as Neff busted through a hole for 69-yards and a touchdown. The Davis extra point was good to make it 35-7 West Plains with 10:26 to go in the third quarter.
West Plains marched down again to take the lead back up to 35 points at 42-7 with 6:03 to play in the third quarter. The next Harvester drive was the Hill to Alonzo show as Hill found fellow Junior Wide Reciever Jose Alonzo for a 21-yard strike and a first down on the drive. Hill found paydirt with another Alonzo strike for 38 yards and a touchdown. The extra point was blocked and West Plains led 42-13 with 1:16 to play in the third quarter.
The third quarter ended with West Plains still on top 42-13 and facing a big third down at the start of the fourth quarter. Both teams seem content to just run the clock out and try to get the game over as they traded a couple of punts and forth.
West Plains kicked a 50-yard field goal with the wind at their backs to put the lead at 45-13 with 4:49 to play in the game.
Pampa ran the rest of the clock out for the game on their next drive.
FINAL: West Plains 45, Pampa 13.
UNOFFICIAL STATS
Max Neff 19 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Jose Alonzo 4 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Jarren Hill 100 yards passing on 7 passes and a touchdown.
Bryce Lynn 2 catches for 34 yards.
SCORES FROM DISTRICT
The Randall Raiders hosted the Hereford Whiteface.That game was tied 27 all in the third quarter at press time.
The Canyon Eagles traveled to Dumas to face the Demons. Dumas won 35-9.
Canyon and Pampa fall to 0-2 in district play. Dumas moves to 1-1.
Pampa will hit the road next week to Happy State Bank Stadium in Canyon. They will face the Eagles. Special note: that game is on Thursday, October 24th next week at 7 PM. It is not on Friday.
