On Friday, October 23, 2026, the Thayer Bobcats hosted the Mountain Grove Panthers. Each team fought bravely, matching touchdown for touchdown. The winner was decided in the final quarter. Although our Bobcats lost, they remain district champions and have a bye this Friday.
The Night
This was senior night ot Bozman Field. Seniors in football, cross country, band, and cheerleading were honored. The band performed what they had used in recent competitions, and the Mighty Mites received applause during halftime.
First
Boyce came off the bench ready for points. He dominated the field, scoring the first touchdown with only 1.5 minutes into the game! The Panthers fought back downfield and scored a touchdown with only 4:21 left. As neither team scored any extra points, the first quarter ended 6-6.
Second
Unfortunately, the Bobcats could not break through the Panthers’ defense. Each team fumbled the ball once, with the Panthers recovering each time. Although Poole did a lot of field running- one time running 40 years!- the Panthers had increased their lead at halftime, 6-14.
Third
With 8:31 left in the third quarter, the Panthers gave up possession after exhausting their downs. Poole immediately took the ball and ran 65 yards for a touchdown! The Bobcats did get the 2-point conversion. They held the Panthers scoreless. The third quarter ended 14-14, a tight game.
Fourth
The onlookers knew this was the deciding quarter. Everything was on the line. Who would take charge? Halfway into the quarter, the Panthers scored a touchdown. With only three minutes left, the Panthers scored again. The Bobcats fumbled and missed several passes this quarter, and they remained scoreless. The final score was 14-28.
Despite losing the game, the Thayer Bobcats maintained the number one seed in Class 1 District 1. They do not play this Friday. However, on November 6, they will host the winner of this week’s Hayti versus Malden game.
