The Panthers had their offense firing on all cylinders in the team’s 50-0 season opener on the road at Creswell.

In the first half, Northside’s athletic corps of linebackers shut down the Tigers’ run game, allowing just one first down. On offense, head coach Keith Boyd’s double-wing offense kept the ball on the ground, throwing just once, as running backs Rockne Butler and Kermani Slade both recorded 69 yards and two touchdowns in the first 24 minutes.

“We ran north to south with our power game and it was working, so we stuck with it,” Boyd said. “There was no reason to open things up and throw the ball when we didn’t have to. We’ll save that game plan for a later date.”

The Panthers picked up right where they left off in the second half and continued to put up points.

Butler finished with 120 yards and two touchdowns on the night, while Patrick Moore ended with 85 yards and a TD. Fullback James Barrow recorded 54 yards and powered his way into the end zone twice. Slade finished with 87 yards rushing and Patrick Moore, listed on the depth chart as a receiver, ran for 85 yards and a touchdown.

“Our offensive line worked their butt off tonight,” Boyd said. “All of our backs got plenty of touches. Patrick Moore had plenty of speed. It’s hard to single out one person. It was a total team effort tonight.”

Northside will look to stay hot against North Duplin next week in the team’s home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.