Tivy High football coach David Jones marvels at junior star Trapper Pannell’s recent five-touchdown game against Alamo Heights for reasons beyond the obvious.
“Trapper was everywhere that night, doing all the little things that make the difference in winning and losing,” Jones told Empower Texans of the Antlers’ 64-62 District 14 5A-11 win in three overtimes. “Alamo has always been a rivalry game and this time around we both came in undefeated in conference. Trapper led us in leaving it all on the line.”
On the night, Pannell rushed for four touchdowns and caught another.
“He has that kind of versatility and athleticism,” Jones added. “In all my years as a coach, I’ve never had a player that competed any harder or was more focused.”
On the year, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior has 10 rushing and receiving touchdowns combined, along with seven scoring passes and more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
“He does it all,” Jones added. “I don’t think it will be long before he’s more on the radar when it comes to recruiting. He’s good enough to be a quarterback, receiver or safety at the next level.”
After a season-opening loss at Dripping Springs, Tivy has now won seven in a row, scoring at least 40 points in six of those victories and averaging over 50 points over the life of the streak, and is now ranked No. 2 in the sub-6A by the Express-News.
The Antlers have two games left to close the regular season, the first at Lockhart and the last at home, hosting Medina Valley.