The defending 4A Division I state champion Celina Bobcats (16-0 in 2024) faced one of their toughest tests of the season Friday night against previously undefeated Panther Creek in a pivotal District 7-4A DI showdown.
In a contest that lived up to the hype, the Bobcats leaned on their trademark physical ground attack in the fourth quarter to secure a hard-fought 35-28 victory.
This game was a showcase of high-level football on both sides, where the outcome hinged on which team’s playmakers could step up in key moments. Celina, once again, proved why they are the gold standard in 4A Division I.
Celina Standouts
Evan Koehne (RB, 2027)
The junior back was the centerpiece of the Bobcats’ offense, finishing the night with 147 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.
Koehne ran with patience and vision, allowing blocks to develop before exploding through the line. He displayed excellent balance, quick feet, and power, while showing a natural instinct for the goal line. In the biggest moments, Koehne was the difference-maker.
Logan Gutierrez (RB, 2026)
Gutierrez brought a different dimension to Celina’s rushing attack, adding 133 yards on the ground.
With a compact build, quickness, and elusiveness, he was tough for Panther Creek’s defense to corral. He also showcased versatility as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Gutierrez already holds offers from Lamar, East Texas A&M, and UTPB, and his stock is likely to rise with performances like this.
Bowe Bentley (QB, 2026 – Oklahoma commit)
The Sooners commit did not have a statistically dominant day passing, but his leadership and versatility were on full display.
Bentley delivered timely throws for first downs and proved to be a dangerous runner, using his quickness and footwork to move the chains. He capped his performance with a rushing touchdown, showing why he is considered one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state.
Dylan Goodson (OL, class of 2028)
At 6’7” and 330 pounds, Goodson is a rare combination of size and athleticism for such a young prospect.
Despite his massive frame, he showed nimble footwork, smooth kick-slide ability, and a powerful punch in pass protection. His ability to bend and maintain leverage allowed him to dominate in the trenches, paving the way for Celina’s 338 rushing yards as a team. Colleges will certainly be keeping a close eye on him in the coming years.
Cameron Lucas (DL, class of 2026)
Lucas anchored the defensive front for the Bobcats, holding his ground against a talented Panther Creek rushing attack.
With several tackles for loss, Lucas consistently created disruption with his quick first step and stout run defense. His ability to win battles at the line of scrimmage was key to Celina’s late-game stops.
Jaden Griffin (OL, class of 2026)
The 6’4”, 290-pound lineman provided a powerful push at the point of attack.
Griffin showed good feet and agility, consistently reaching the second level of the defense. His stiff punch and finishing ability stood out, as he routinely blocked through the whistle and helped Celina maintain control up front.
Panther Creek Standouts
Jalen Lott (ATH, class of 2026 – Oregon commit)
Lott lived up to his reputation as one of the most dynamic athletes in the state.
He hauled in a big touchdown reception, displaying elite speed, a large catch radius, and strong hands. On defense, he made an impact as well, recording multiple pass breakups in the secondary.
Donovan Webb (ATH, class of 2026 – Texas Tech commit)
Webb was the driving force for Panther Creek’s offense, rushing for 152 yards and a touchdown.
With powerful runs, sharp vision, and a devastating stiff arm, Webb proved difficult for Celina’s defense to contain. His combination of strength and pad level made him a tough assignment all night.
Parker Ord (TE, class of 2026 – BYU commit)
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Ord is a mismatch problem at tight end.
He finished with 53 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, including a highlight-reel score where he broke multiple tackles. With his long frame, catch radius, and physical running style after the catch, Ord showed exactly why BYU secured his commitment early.
Cayden Green (DB, class of 2026)
Green was a difference-maker in the secondary, recording two interceptions.
His clean footwork, sharp instincts, and physicality in run support made him one of the top defensive performers in the game.
Joshua Lunnon (DB, class of 2026)
Lunnon impressed with his size and length at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds.
He used his frame effectively in coverage, breaking up several passes while also stepping up in run support. His physicality and range make him an ideal cornerback prospect.
Graylyn Fry (QB, class of 2026)
Fry delivered a strong performance under pressure, tossing three touchdown passes.
He was especially effective on the rollout, throwing accurately while on the move and displaying clean mechanics throughout the game.
Final Thoughts
Celina once again proved why they are the team to beat in 4A Division I, relying on their physical identity and deep roster of talent to outlast a highly skilled Panther Creek squad.
Panther Creek, however, showed they belong in the conversation among the elite, with multiple Division I commits and playmakers who kept the game competitive until the final whistle.
This matchup had the intensity and execution of a playoff game, offering a glimpse of what Texas high school we might see again in early December.
