The Permian Panthers (9-0 overall, 3-0 in District 2-6A) already share the 2-6A title and have a playoff spot. They will try to close the regular season with back-to-back district titles when they host San Angelo Central at 7 p.m. Friday at Ratliff Stadium. Permian's last game was a 42-17 win over Midland High two weeks ago.
The Bobcats (5-4, 1-2) lost 43-40 to Midland High last week. Central's playoff spot is secured, according to the report, after a 38-14 win over Odessa High two weeks ago. Permian head coach Jeff Ellison called the Bobcats a very good team that is physical on both sides of the ball.
Ellison said he did not like the bye week in the second-to-last week of the regular season when the season began. He said he now thinks it will help the team in the future as it heads into the playoffs. Ellison said the team's mindset has not changed for this week. Permian might need only one more win to clinch the district title outright.