For one half, it appeared as if last weekend’s football game between Montezuma-Cortez High School and Gunnison would go down to the wire.
But Gunnison turned on the jets in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 28-7 over the final two quarters in route to a 50-15 victory.
The Panthers kept things close in the first quarter, thanks in part to Randy Haley, who rushed for 146 yards and one touchdown in the contest.
Trailing 15-7 to begin the second quarter, M-CHS outscored Gunnison 8-7 over the next 12 minutes and entered halftime trailing 22-15.
An ineffective pass attack and big plays by Gunnison doomed the Panthers, as Gunnison cruised to an easy win.
M-CHS completed just four passes for 28 yards in the game.
Leading the Panthers defensively, Haley had 10 tackles, Victor Perez had seven, and Ian Roberson and Justice had six.
With their record at 3-2, the Panthers will play at home against Pagosa Springs (2-3) on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.