Panthers Kick Off Season With Annual Black and White Scrimmage
- Shaniah Andal
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 12
Written by Junior Freelance Writer Shaniah Andal.
On August 28, 2025, the late-summer heat lingered in the air. The temperature hovered slightly above 80 degrees as the sun shone freely against a clear blue sky. Bonney Lake High School football and cheer made their debut for the 2025-’26 season with tradition. This year marked the 12th annual BLACK AND WHITE scrimmage match. Two teams were randomly formed from the BLHS Panthers, designated as Team Black or Team White. Once formed, the teams competed against each other, simulating a real game, with beloved math teacher and baseball coach, Mike Olson, returning to the announcer booth along with the media team and referees. To top it off, the crowd turned out in force. Both the upper and lower parking lots at the high school, along with nearby streets, quickly filled as alumni, parents, students, and community members gathered to watch the Panthers take the field for the first time this season. Onlookers said it was the most crowded season opener they had ever seen, a turnout that heightened the pressure and set the stage for a game filled with high stakes and big expectations.
The 1st quarter started with no delay and no hesitation from the players, with Gavin Davis acquiring the first down with 11 yards for Team White. Team Black fought back hard, pushing through players. Colt Miller set the tone with a 25-yard run before Gavin Davis finished the job with a 46-yard dash into the endzone, securing a strong head start for his team. Team White made it to the 2nd down before being intercepted by Shanden Thedford, resulting in a turnover to Team Black. Black’s defense fought for momentum, but the offense quickly gave the ball back.
The 2nd quarter followed this pattern, with both teams battling for higher ground. Black’s offense, however, faced flags once more, which put them at a disadvantage. With 7 minutes left on the clock, Team White pushed into the final 5 yards before the endzone. Not long after, White secured the touchdown. Talented kicker Gavin Schloer added another point for Team White after a successful field goal. Black continued to push with a dash by Austin Murray over 50 yards straight into the endzone. However, the play was called back for a block in the back at midfield, erasing Murray’s run. With under 20 seconds remaining, Team White used this opportunity to get a pick 6, securing a 13-point lead against Team Black before halftime.
The halftime show, On The Box, was presented by the BLHS Cheerleaders and Pantherettes, along with the Mini Panthers, a youth team comprising cheerleaders ages 4–14. After an impressive routine, the BLHS band, led by director Brandon Cain, played the Panther fight song, continuing a tradition that tied the community together.
After halftime, the teams continued to trade drives. In the 3rd quarter, Team White attempted a touchdown but faced the same fate as Team Black during the 2nd quarter, with another block in the back costing them the play.
The 4th quarter added another 6 points for Team White after Nathan Varke rushed into the endzone with little time left. This set up Gavin Schloer, a former soccer player, to drill a 50-yarder that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Players from both teams and fans alike cheered for Gavin, ending the night on a sweet note and a reminder of the shared spirit that brought everyone together.
Head coach, Javid Shoemaker, saw this game as a major learning opportunity for both himself and the team. “I think the team building was great. I think that when you break apart your starters into different teams, it makes it difficult to score points. I’ve found ways to make our defense better, we can learn from some mistakes, and it’s all about getting better now.”
Shoemaker also made note of Austin Murray and Colt Miller and their impressive plays and touchdowns in this game, showcasing Murray’s underdog spirit and hinting at more to come from Miller. The next steps for the Panthers football team were to study the film of the scrimmage, make corrections, and implement them in their first game against Eastmont the following week. The Panthers proved they were ready to rise, and with the season just beginning, the community could expect even bigger moments ahead with a record turnout and a hungry roster. The Panthers’ season was just getting started.
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