Forget the records.
Store what happened last week against Odessa High in the memory banks.
Ignore the first six weeks of the 2022 season.
This week for the Permian football team is about focusing on Midland Legacy.
It’s a wounded Rebels’ team coming into the matchup on a three-game losing streak after opening District 2-6A play last week with a loss at Wolfforth Frenship.
The last time Midland Legacy lost three games in a row was 2016, in Coach Clint Hartman’s first season.
“You can throw out the records,” Permian head coach Jeff Ellison said. “This is another big game for us and Midland Legacy is the only thing we’re focused on and the players have done a great job all season with that.”
The Panthers (6-0 overall, 1-0 in District 2-6A) head into the matchup after a convincing 38-7 victory Friday against rival Odessa High.
The Rebels (2-6, 0-1), one of the preseason favorites to battle for the district title, still have the weapons to make that happen.
They have hurt themselves the last two weeks, allowing 89 first-half points in losses to Converse Judson and Wolfforth Frenship.
In both instances, Midland Legacy roared back to make things close, losing 60-50 to Judson and 49-34 to the Tigers.
Quarterback Marcos Davila still is having a solid season, having completed 105 of 179 passes for 1,637 yards and 21 touchdowns, with four interceptions.
Deonta Sonnier is his top target with 30 receptions for 514 yards and nine touchdowns.
Aiden Serrano has 27 catches for 405 yards and five scores.
“They’ve gotten behind early the last couple weeks but have come back,” Ellison said of the Rebels. “They are well coached and they’ll be ready.”
>> A FIRST: There have been plenty of great players to compete in the crosstown rivalry, including several who have moved on from high school to college and then to the pros.
None, however, matched Harris Sewell’s accomplishment.
Sewell, a senior offensive lineman headed to Clemson next season, started his fourth Odessa High-Permian game, the first player to do so.
“That’s crazy,” Ellison said. “Harris has been having a good year and moved into a leadership role this season.
“Seems like I’ve been watching him play forever.”
>> TIME CONSUMING: With just 48 minutes in a game, more is better when it comes to time of possession.
Case in point was the Panthers’ offense on Friday against the Bronchos.
First, they put together a 17-play, 98-yard march for a touchdown that 8:22 to complete, beginning in the first quarter and finishing with nearly half the second quarter in the books.
Then, after the Permian defense forced a three-and-out by Odessa High, the Panthers’ offense ran off the final 4:55 of the second quarter, scoring another touchdown on the final play of the first half.
Total time of possession for the two drives: 13:17 … more than a full quarter of play.
“It’s what we are trying to do on offense,” Ellison said. “I was really proud of the way we held on to the ball, as well.
“Our backs have been doing a great job and we have a good rotation back there.”
>> LOWER LEVELS: The junior varsity and freshmen teams lost 3 of 4 last week to the rival Bronchos and will looking to bounce back against the Rebels.
Freshman White will get started at 6 p.m. on the Ratliff Stadium south field, with the Freshmen Black squad playing at 6:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the JV White team will travel to Midland for a 5 p.m. game, followed by the JV Black at 6:30 p.m.
>> Follow Lee Scheide on Twitter @OALeeScheide
MIDLAND LEGACY AT PERMIAN
>> When: 7 p.m. Friday.
>> Where: Ratliff Stadium.
>> Last Season: Midland Legacy 34, Permian 21.
>> Records: Midland Legacy 2-6 overall, 0-1 District 2-6A; Permian 6-0, 1-0.
>> Radio: KHKX (FM-99.1)
>> Live Updates: Follow on Twitter at @OALeeScheide.
PERMIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
DEONTE BASS
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 180
Class: Senior
Position: DB/WR
Last Week: Bass had his finest game of the season at cornerback, shutting down Odessa High wide receiver Ivan Carreron, holding the Bronchos’ standout to just two receptions on the night for 12 yards. Rushed one time for six yards and played on special teams as well.
This season: In his first full-time season on defense, has 17 tackles along with eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
