Written by Junior Freelance Writers Mallory Sexton and Shaniah Andal
The Panthers wrap up week 8 of the football season on a misty night with temperatures below 45 degrees with the first full moon of Autumn illuminating the Bonney Lake stadium, setting the perfect stage for an interesting night with a Washington top 100 team. The stands warmed with excitement and electricity with attendance in the hundreds as a pink wave covered the stands on Thursday night. Anticipation for the game grew as the stands packed early to watch the seniors’ final night at the home stadium to conclude this year’s football season.
The chilling game started with Spanaway kicking off to Bonney Lake. The Panthers controlled the clock in the first quarter, keeping the game tight with no score. In the stands, the band energized the crowd while students showcased their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all dressed in vibrant shades of pink. On the field, the players built up their defense, knowing this would not be a tough matchup. In the second quarter, they managed to hold off the Sentinels’ run attack but struggled to contain their passing game. Spanaway capitalized with two long touchdown passes, taking a 14-0 lead into halftime.
As the players ran into the locker room for halftime, performances started. The students supported their cheer team as they danced and showed off their flying skills with the drill team following to put on a show with their energetic dancing. Then finally, the band displayed their teamwork and coordination with their performances of Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen, Go the Distance from Hercules, and Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler. The students’ and performers’ half-time electricity from the stands and field flew to the players, charging them up for the next half of the game and prepping them to turn the game around.
Once the excitement from halftime ended, the Panthers were preparing to fight back to their opposition. #6, Senior Brendon Powell, put the Panthers first points on the board with a 5-yard touchdown run with 5 minutes and 18 seconds still on the clock. The student section in the stands cheered hard as the band began to play their fight song. The score is now 20-6, with the Sentinels still in the lead.
The Panthers gained an exhilarating 35-yard rushing touchdown by Brendon Powell, giving him his second score of the game with 11 minutes still in the 4th quarter, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. The Panthers truly showed their grit when they kept the attacks going with a 19-yard touchdown from Senior quarterback #9, Clete Gilbert to Dennis Luzhnykh with 5 minutes and 18 seconds into the fourth giving the Panthers 6 more points on the board and closing the gap between scores; now 27-21 Spanaway.
With just 56 seconds left in the 4th quarter, senior #45 Dennis Luzhnykh recovered a fumble, igniting the crowd and giving the Panthers one last chance at a comeback. Tension rose as both teams prepared for a final push, with Bonney Lake ready to fight back in the remaining seconds. Unfortunately, the Sentinels responded with an interception, sealing the game with a final score of 27-21, Spanaway. However, the Panthers truly demonstrated their teamwork and all the effort they built up during this season and gave us an amazing demonstration of their willpower and endurance.
After the game, two standout seniors, #6 Brendon Powell and #45 Dennis Luzhnykh, shared their thoughts on the night's challenges and triumphs.
Powell expressed heartfelt gratitude for his linemen and the entire team for their support in helping him score his first touchdown in the third quarter. “It feels good to bring some joy to our guys,” he said. “But at the end of the night, it was a tough loss, and we’ll learn from it. For now, we just move on and try to get a win.” On his Senior Night, Powell exemplified true Panther Power, demonstrating both perseverance and ownership.
Luzhnykh echoed Powell’s sentiments, noting that morale remained high despite the chilly weather. He praised his teammates for giving their best efforts, emphasizing that they showed Spanaway they could compete. He also acknowledged the offensive line and defense for their confidence and energy, stating, “It’s a whole team effort; I can’t do it without the other guys on the field.” Luzhnykh recognized the need to play his hardest and proved his determination by continuing to push through obstacles.
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