Palmetto’s varsity football team opened the 2016 season on Thursday, Aug. 25, at Southridge Stadium with a 49-7 win over the Sunset Knights. The game was called final after halftime due to lightning nearby.

Quarterback Hugh Lowson led the team with 117 passing yards for a total of four touchdowns throughout the first half with an 8-1 first down advantage over the Knights.

Running back Javier Rodriguez achieved an average 5.6 yards per rush and scored two rushing touchdowns. The Panthers ran 17 times for 117 yards compared to the Knights’ 12 for 6.

The Panthers will face Coral Reef Senior High on Friday, Sep. 2, at Tropical Park.