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The Wildcats kept pace and hit a season high but could not withstand Pflugerville’s offensive barrage Thursday night, falling 55-20 as their defensive struggles continued both on the ground and through the air.
Elgin’s secondary allowed 288 passing yards and six touchdowns to Panthers quarterback Cole Taylor. Pflugerville was able to punch through 198 rushing yards in its Sept. 25 win at home.
Tur nover s aga i n plagued the Wildcats, who committed two giveaways and a turnover on downs that gave Pflugerville short fields. Those mistakes and an inability to contain Taylor in the pocket proved too much to overcome.
Senior utility player Jeremiah Nicholson provided most of the Wildcats’ offense with both a rushing and passing touchdown. Senior running back Michael Mejias added a 2-yard score, his fifth of the season.
The Panthers set the tone early, marching down the field to cap their opening drive with a 17-yard throw into the endzone. Mejias was able to match the points on Elgin’s return by powering through at the 2-yard marker.
Pflugerville was quick to trade back, capitalizing on a 33-yard scoring pass from Taylor. Nicholson broke free and brought Elgin back to even late in the opening quarter, but the Panthers seized control in the second with 20 unanswered points.
Running backs Timothy Edwards and Qualyn Penson each found the end zone on short runs, and Taylor added his third to go into the half 34-14. Nicholson showed signs of life and delivered a 21-yard touchdown pass for Elgin, but Taylor countered with three more of his own as the Panthers closed on a 21-0 run.
Despite the loss, Elgin’s 20 points marked its highest output of the season. The Wildcats dropped to 0-5 overall and 0-2 in District 23-5A play.
Elgin enters a bye week before hosting Liberty Hill at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, where the roster looks to snap its season- opening skid.
