GALLUP, N.M. – Montezuma-Cortez didn’t waste any time getting into gear to open the 2024 season, so much so that it got the job done in half the time.
The Panthers (1-0) crushed Gallup 53-0 to close out a mercy-rule shortened opener for both teams Friday night, starting the Tyler Worley era started on a winning note. The Panthers scored five touchdowns in the first quarter, then added three more in the second.
Playing under the guidance of the former assistant coach Worley, the Panthers required less than 15 seconds to get on the scoreboard.
Starting at their own 20-yard line, a high snap over sophomore Cody Case’s head could have spelled trouble, but senior Tay Wheat raced over to scoop up the loose ball, then proceeded to follow his blocking to an open lane. Wheat took it 80 yards to the house, and the Panthers celebrated their first score of the season.
The Panthers defense came through on the first Bengals possession, stuffing Gallup on fourth-and-short to set up a short field. Wheat and the Panthers overcame a couple penalties, picking up a first down before Wheat broke free from 25 yards out to collect his second score to make it 12-0.
Wheat tacked on two more touchdowns on the ensuing two possessions – from five and 37 yards away – and junior kicker Isaac Dozal punched through the extra points. Senior Brady Dale then got his turn at the end of the opening quarter to find pay dirt, pushing in from two yards for a 33-0 Panthers lead entering the second quarter.
The Panthers added touchdowns from junior Wyatt Oliver, first on a 10-yard run, then on a 25-yard connection from Case midway through the second quarter. They were the first two touchdowns of his career, while Case collected his first varsity passing score.
Dale applied the finishing touches by finding the end zone on a 33-yard dash before halftime. Reaching New Mexico prep football’s 50-point mercy rule by the intermission, the game concluded then.
Case managed the offense well, while senior starting quarterback Colby McMillian took precautionary measures with an early-season injury.
Along with the offensive output, the defense stymied any Gallup momentum, collecting their first shutout since 2022.
Montezuma-Cortez will make another trip to New Mexico, playing at Crownpoint (0-1) at 7 p.m. Aug. 30.
