The power of Panther positivity.

The Alberton Panthers may have lost 63-19 to the hopped-up Hot Springs Savage Heat on homecoming night in Hot Springs Thursday but you won’t hear Panther coach Jonathan Richards complaining about it, he loves his football team and what they are giving him this fall.

With a dedicated bunch of cheering fans behind them all the way, just like they were in Hot Springs, the Panthers will continue their season at Valier next Friday.

Richards was complimentary to the Savage Heat following Thursday’s game. “I thought Hot Springs showed a lot of heart,” he said. “They were banged up, only had seven kids and some of the seven are banged up themselves. They showed a lot of grit and toughness.”

Taking nothing away from Hot Springs, Richards liked the way his Panthers played as well. “I am extremely proud of our kids for continuing to fight for the entirety of the game,” he said. “Hot Springs was very physical and our kids were taking some good hits, but they continued to get back up and give it their best the next play.”

Quarterback Devin Hill and receiver Shea Fredette hooked up for two touchdown passes and Tam Dao ran for Alberton’s other TD in Hot Springs.

Richards said that Tater Herman also contributed mightily to the Panthers’ offense, and that Barrett Odell and Josiah Morton played very well for the Alberton defense, adding that Odell pulled down the first interception of his career in Hot Springs.

“I am also happy with some younger guys we threw in without a lot of practice reps,” Richards said. “They were able to step up and make a couple plays for us. Michael Seidel had some great blocks on the offensive line that sprung Tam Dao for some big runs. David Scheer stepped in on defense and made some good plays as well.”

Looking back at the Hot Springs game and ahead to Valier this week, Richards was positive. “Overall, I am proud of our guys,” he said, “and we are looking forward to getting back to practice and continuing to get better!”