'Lot of grit' | Barnsdall celebrates senior night, six months after tornado
Nov 07, 2024
Six months and one day after a tornado ripped through town, Barnsdalls football team celebrated senior day.For the Panthers, the lessons learned are hard work and grit.As the Panthers took the field for their last home game, senior Easton Malone thought about playing in his first game of the year.You know, its been tough, I wont lie to you, but its been worth it, Malone said.Malone has had it especially tough the last six months. A tornado ravaged his hometown, and he missed the majority of his football season.On senior night, healthy as a horse, he had the chance to show out for his hometown fans.We talked a lot about grit and overcoming things you know, we went through a spring not getting a spring football season because of the tornado, Barnsdalls head coach Kylee Sweeney said. FROM THE BEGINNING: 2 News was there for Panthers practice the day before their season-openerSweeney knew many of these seniors from their elementary school P.E. class. Now, as their football coach, he hopes to leave them with skills on and off the field.2 News asked Malone about the lessons hes learned.No matter what comes at you, you just keep going. Roll with the punches, Malone said, Because stuff will happen in life, and you just gotta keep on going no matter what it is.Maverick Lanphear, the senior starting quarterback, had many of the same thoughts.Its taken a lot of hard work and determination plenty of grit, Lanphear said, Ever since the tornado weve worked hard.Lanphear scored a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage against Porter. Maverick Lanphear TouchdownJust keep working. No matter how hard it gets, just keep working hard, Lanphear said.That determination got the Panthers this far, and locked in a playoff spot. Their quest for the title starts next week.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube