Panthers Close Season With 20–14 Senior Night Win Over Emerald Ridge
- The Insider
- 9 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Bonney Lake caps off the year with a clutch late touchdown and strong defensive stand under Thursday night lights
A cold October night before Halloween set the stage Thursday as the Bonney Lake Panthers hosted the Emerald Ridge Jaguars in a non-conference matchup under the lights. The Panthers entered at 1–6, looking to end their season on a high note, while the Jaguars came in 2–6 and seeking momentum to close out their year.
It was also Senior Night for the Panthers, a celebration of the team’s veterans and their final moments on the home field. Senior Gage Tannehill made sure it was a night to remember.
First Half: Panthers Set the Tone
Both teams opened cautiously, trading punts and defensive stops through much of the first quarter. Bonney Lake’s offense began to click early in the second, methodically driving down the field before Tannehill powered his way into the end zone for a five-yard rushing touchdown to put the Panthers ahead 7–0 after the extra point.
The defense kept the energy high. Bonney Lake forced a turnover on the next drive, intercepting a Jaguar pass to set up the offense deep in Emerald Ridge territory. Though the Panthers couldn’t convert on the short field, the tone was set, Bonney Lake was controlling the pace and the physicality.
The defenses on both sides tightened as the half wore on, and Bonney Lake carried its 7–0 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter: Samson to Slaughter Connection Strikes
Junior quarterback Aidan Samson led the Panthers out of the locker room with confidence. Midway through the third quarter, Samson dropped back and found fellow junior Alex Slaughter streaking downfield. The result was a perfectly placed 35-yard touchdown strike that brought the crowd to its feet and extended Bonney Lake’s lead to 14–0.
Emerald Ridge responded late in the quarter, capitalizing on a Panther fumble and turning it into a short touchdown pass to cut the lead to 14–7 heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter: Miller Ices the Win
The Jaguars tied the game midway through the fourth on another touchdown pass, evening the score at 14–14. But Bonney Lake answered with composure.
A strong kickoff return gave the Panthers great field position, and they pounded the ball on the ground behind their offensive line. With just over a minute remaining, junior Colt Miller, who had played both running back and linebacker all game, took a handoff and fought his way across the goal line for the go-ahead four-yard touchdown. The PAT missed, but the Panthers reclaimed the lead at 20–14.
On defense, Bonney Lake finished the job. A pair of late stops and a turnover on downs sealed the win, and the season, for the Panthers.
Season Reflection
The victory closed out the 2025 season on a high note for Bonney Lake, who finished 2–6 and just outside postseason contention. Senior Gage Tannehill’s early touchdown set the tone on his final night in a Panther uniform, while juniors Aidan Samson, Alex Slaughter, and Colt Miller showed that the program’s foundation remains strong for next year.
As the final whistle blew on Senior Night, the Panthers walked off the field with heads held high, ending a challenging season with effort, pride, and a glimpse of the future that lies ahead.
Comments