Coop’s Corner: Panthers Win Battle of Unbeatens in PNL Week 3

By Erik Cooper

Week 3 of the Fall 2026 PNL season delivered big plays, statement wins and two major matchups between undefeated teams. Several players produced complete performances on both sides of the ball, while a strong storm forced the postponement of the high school division games. Those matchups will be made up over the next few weeks.

Game of the Week

Panthers 18, Titans 8

Both teams entered at 2-0 with strong offenses and defenses, and the Panthers struck first. Zayne Osbey intercepted a pass and raced down the sideline for a touchdown, giving the Panthers a 6-0 lead. DJ Lites added a rushing touchdown before halftime to make it 12-0.

The Titans came out firing in the second half. Tyrone Terry, fresh off being named PNL Player of the Week, scored on a touchdown run to cut the deficit to 12-6. Legend Williams followed with a safety, pulling the Titans within four points and shifting the momentum.

After the Panthers defense made a stop, the offense surprised the crowd and the Titans defense by attacking deep. Osbey found Josh Clark open behind the defense for a 42-yard touchdown and an 18-8 advantage.

Terry answered with a 43-yard run, but Osbey stopped him just short of the end zone. The Panthers then delivered a goal-line stand led by Clark, who recorded two of his game-high 10 flag pulls on the drive. That stand sealed the Panthers' statement victory.

Around the League

6U

Rams 35, Chiefs 0

The Rams earned a forfeit victory after the Chiefs did not have enough players available by the scheduled start time.

Ravens 36, Jaguars 0

Elias Kisner, Heath Wilson, Noah Randolph and Tilmon “TJ” Wilson each scored a rushing touchdown. Raymont Tench led the Ravens defense with eight flag pulls.

8U

Patriots 12, Dolphins 0

In another battle of undefeated teams, Carter Johns supplied all of the scoring with two 45-yard touchdown runs as the Patriots stayed perfect.

Falcons 1, Bills 0

In a league first, the teams finished regulation scoreless and went to overtime. Nicari Jackson caught the Falcons' one-point try, and the ball slipped from Bills quarterback Anthony Johnson's hand on their attempt, preserving the unusual 1-0 Falcons victory.

10U Girls

Broncos 15, Bears 2

Mackenzie Rice threw a touchdown pass to Sanah Caroline on offense, then returned an interception for a touchdown on defense. The pick-six sealed the Broncos victory.

Browns 30, Lions 6

Journee Shaahid scored two rushing touchdowns, and Shyne Kinnard added a receiving touchdown to spark the Browns offense.

10U

Jets 32, Chargers 14

The Jets outlasted the Chargers to keep their record unblemished. Lovell Smith threw three touchdown passes, and Preston Gassaway added two. Logan Espy caught six passes for 147 yards and four touchdowns, while Achilles Robinson added another receiving score.

For the Chargers, Carter Woy threw touchdown passes to Malachi Simon and Kayden Lin. Woy also recorded two interceptions on defense.

Cowboys 38, Vikings 0

The Cowboys dominated on both sides of the ball. David Wright scored two rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns, while Ryder Hutchinson connected with Monty Grinage for another score.

Tarone Thomas, Hutchinson, Jonah McCormick and Carter Baxter each recorded an interception. Baxter returned his pick for a touchdown to complete the shutout.

14U Girls

Dolphins 30, Colts 0

The Dolphins received contributions throughout the lineup. Johnessa Brandt Frazier threw a touchdown pass. Macy Meek scored twice on the ground and once through the air. Aaliyah Thompson added a rushing touchdown, while Milan Robinson recorded a receiving touchdown and an interception. Mariana Andrejco threw a touchdown pass and picked off two passes on defense.

Giants 40, Eagles 0

Irie Latchman delivered a complete performance as the Giants opened the season with their third consecutive shutout. Latchman scored one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown, then added three interceptions, returning two for scores. Shyne Kinnard also scored on the ground.

14U

Raiders 16, Texans 6

Mekhi Day Jackson threw two touchdown passes for the Raiders, finding Cameron Titus from 28 yards and Daniel Simon from 45 yards. The Texans scored when Zayden Duncan connected with Lamar Clinton.

Seahawks 31, Commanders 7

Terrance Whittle threw three touchdown passes and rushed for two more scores. Kali White caught two touchdown passes and added an interception, while Trenton Holt caught a touchdown and recorded an interception of his own. Dylan Green connected with Aiden Mascaro for the Commanders' touchdown.

Saints 51, Buccaneers 15

The Buccaneers led 15-13 at halftime behind a touchdown reception by John Conley and a pick-six from Daijuan Williams, who finished with two interceptions. The Saints then erupted in the second half to earn their first win of the season.

Stiles Mitchell rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown, caught another touchdown and returned an interception for a score. Matthew Taylor threw three touchdown passes, including a 45-yard strike to Josh Pace. Carter Smith returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns, and Cole Randolph recorded two sacks.

49ers 34, Texans 7

The teams traded stops and entered halftime tied 7-7. Telah Robinson threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Stribling, and the Texans answered when Jeremiah Smith connected with Lamar Clinton from 18 yards.

The 49ers took control after halftime. Khyir Gray recorded two interceptions, and Kade Ernst returned another interception for a touchdown. Deon Smith finished 11 of 15 for 148 yards and three touchdown passes, with Stribling, Robinson and Ernst each catching one.

What to Watch in Week 4

Can the Cowboys extend their winning streak to three games and hand the Jets their first loss?

Will the Panthers remain undefeated against a tough Ravens team?

Which team will begin to separate from the three-way tie atop the 10U Girls division?

Will the Giants defense allow its first points of the season, or post a fourth consecutive shutout?

Who will win the NFC West showdown when the 4-0 49ers meet the 4-0 Seahawks in the Game of the Week?

How will the High School Girls teams respond after the storms forced an unexpected week off?

Picture Day Is Here

Week 4 is also Picture Day, so it is time to shine in front of the camera and on the field. See everyone Saturday.