Patuxent hangs on to defeat Westlake, 34-27, in Week 1 Thriller
September 6, 2025
WALDORF, Md. — Despite jumping out to an early three-touchdown lead in the first quarter of the game, the Patuxent Panthers withstood a comeback attempt by Westlake, and eventually held on to win, 34-27, on Friday evening at Westlake High School.
Patuxent was paced in the first quarter by the arm of their freshman quarterback, Brayden Watson, who completed three touchdown passes of over 30 yards in the opening period of play. Westlake received the opening kickoff, but fumbled just a few plays later, and the Panthers defense recovered. Watson took advantage of the miscue, and found a wide-open Peyton Johnson for a 40-yard score.
Watson would connect on two other passes in the initial quarter – a 35-yard toss to Antoine Wilkins, and a 34-yarder, again to Johnson. The Panthers were moving the ball with ease through the air to begin the game.
But Westlake stuck to what it knows best, and that’s running the ball. The Wolverines, despite being down by three scores, did not abandon their running game, and it paid off. Orlando Moss broke free for a 26-yard touchdown run halfway through the second quarter, and then would add a second score of the quarter with just under two minutes before the half. Westlake cut its deficit to 21-14 at halftime.
Patuxent received the kickoff to start the second half, but was unable to move the ball against an inspired Westlake defense. The Wolverines regained possession, and on their first play of the second half, running back David Nnabuko hit the afterburners down the sideline and ran 88 yards for a touchdown. It looked as though the game was about to be tied, but the extra point was missed, and Patuxent clung to a 21-20 lead.
Late in the third quarter, Patuxent found a rhythm on offense once more, as Watson connected with Johnson for a third time, this time for 41 yards, for a score. However, Patuxent also would miss the extra point, giving the Panthers a 27-20 lead.
Westlake was driving into the red zone as the fourth quarter began, and on the first play of the final period, Samari Onyenwe lowered his shoulders and powered into the end zone from 6 yards out. Westlake’s point after attempt was successful this time, and the game was tied 27-27.
But, Westlake would have the game even only for a matter of seconds, as Patuxent’s Antoine Wilkins returned the ensuing kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown, and the Panthers took the lead right back – a lead they would not relinquish.
The Wolverines turned the ball over on downs once, and on a desperate 4th down & 25 attempt with just about 2 minutes to play, quarterback Devin Echard’s pass was intercepted by Kiante Johnson to seal the game.
Patuxent (1-0) has now won 15-consecutive games dating back to last season, and picks up a key victory heading into another big showdown next week with defending 4A/3A champion North Point. Westlake (0-1) will look to bounce back next weekend as it travels to Leonardtown.
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