NEON NIGHT: Panthers face difficult opener, opponents forfeit

Written by Junior Freelance Writer Shaniah Andal.

Gage Tannehill. Photo credit: Izumi Jorden "Zi" Taijeron @ijctmedia

Glints of fall swept their way through Bonney Lake on the evening of Bonney Lake High School’s official opener of the football season. The stadium opened its doors with sunny skies and yet another impressive crowd. After a canceled game with Eastmont the previous week, the Panthers were roaring to go. As the sun set in the background, bringing in a cold of 66 degrees, the Panthers kicked off.

The Lancers, ailing from Lakeland, Washington, came with a fight. Their star quarterback – only a freshman – threw 164 yards for 3 touchdowns just the week before in a blow-out game against Auburn Riverside. In the first 14 seconds, the Lancers attempted a touchdown, but the play was called back for a flag on the offense. With 11 minutes still on the clock, the Lancers scored their first successful touchdown, giving them a 7-0 lead. The Panthers defended, quickly taking back possession with Xavier Wise receiving the ball. Colt Miller followed the momentum as the Panthers secured their first down and narrowly missed a touchdown. As the Lancers took possession near their own goal line, they were sacked in the end zone, giving the Panthers a safety, and giving them their first points of the game. 

Mathias Wilson. Photo credit: Izumi Jorden "Zi" Taijeron @ijctmedia

During the second quarter, tensions escalated dramatically. The game was rough, as a total of 9 Panther and Lancer players became injured throughout the game causing them to leave the field. The Lancers continued to attack the end zone with two more touchdowns and by halftime, the Lancers were up 21-2.

However, their efforts proved futile. During halftime, coaches from both teams began arguing in the middle of the field about the tension on the field, and after numerous injuries to players on both teams, the game was called off by the Lancers. This resulted in a unanimous win for Bonney Lake. Fans reported that the Lancers left the field at halftime due to escalating tensions with the Bonney Lake Panthers and concerns about potential injuries ahead of their upcoming league games.

Last Friday, Bonney Lake took a blow in the community. After weeks of preparation and team bonding, their long-awaited season opener had been overshadowed by dirty plays and injuries. Head coach Shoemaker promised to put the safety of the Panthers first, leading to the decision to call the game off, saying, “It just wasn’t going to be safe if we kept playing.” A back-and-forth discussion happened on the field, with both Panthers and Lancers clashing against each other. School administration had to be called due to the number of penalties, which also aided in the forfeit of the game. Many were left unsure of what to think, but no matter what, the well-being of the players came first and foremost. 

Coach Shoemaker. Photo credit: Izumi Jorden "Zi" Taijeron @ijctmedia

In an after-game interview with Shoemaker, here is what he had to say to Panther families and community members:

“Dear Panther Family,

I reached out to touch base about our game on Friday night. I was disappointed that we were not able to complete the competition vs Lakes High School. I would like to say that our player and spectator safety was important to me as the Head Coach. I was proud of how our student-athletes played and responded throughout the night. Their ability to show our POWER values came through during the competition.

I would like to thank you as parents, our administration, and my coaching staff for your support throughout the process. This event showed the POWER of our community. Together building our hill through relationships that were built upon trust. This foundation that it stood on was strong and this process of us building the hill together became apparent on Friday.

Thanks again for the continued support and love for our PANTHERS.”

Despite the friction on the field, the Panther Band and Cheer stepped in and saved the day by keeping spirits high within the crowd. Their efforts made the game memorable and continuously positive by playing pep songs and keeping the stadium lively, pushing through their own doubts. In the face of adversity, the Bonney Lake community stood united, proving that together they embodied an indomitable spirit that transcended the game itself.