KEYSTONE HEIGHTS - In the annual Fall Classic season opener, host Keystone Heights Indians took on the Ridgeview Panthers, testing who had the early fall advantage.

On Friday night, the Indians under new Head Coach Steve Reynolds, showed the team overhauled some long-standing traditions under the Chuck Dickerson years and came out with the same ground-and-pound run game.

“In reality, it’s going to be the same hard-nosed physical football," said Reynolds, a former defensive coordinator under Dickinson. "There will be a few differences.”

The new look, though, was a sophomore quarterback, Baylor Ford, whose arm, combined with the inside running prowess of Damien Dunlap and speed back Cartez Daniels, proved to be a dual threat too much for the Panther defense.

Where the new look came from was a passing attack that targeted senior Wyatt Van Zant and Garrison Teague in downfield strikes to keep Ridgeview on its heels.

In the end, the Keystone Heights varsity part of the game was a 20-12 Keystone Heights victory, followed by the JV teams continuing without reset with an overall game 27-26 Keystone win.

Those differences included wristbands with plays coming in via sideline signals, a serious air threat, and kicking point after attempts.

Post-game, Reynolds had some things to work on, and was pleased with others.

“Some good, and some not so good, but we have to get into game shape,” said Reynolds, referring to the many injury timeouts both teams had for cramping up on this hot evening. “Overall I’m happy with the way they competed."

Reynolds did lament that the Indians' defense did give up too many big plays to the much larger Panther front line attack and senior running back Rayhn Hutchinson, who took the first play from scrimmage for over 50 yards before putting the first points on the board at 11:41 in the first quarter.

The other highlight for the Panthers was sophomore quarterback Travon Malone who made plays happen by not being afraid to step up when needed, roll out when pressured, and tuck the ball to run when he had no one open.

“Travon is actually a basketball kid we pulled off the court in February,” said Panther’s Head Coach Bryan Arnette. “His first live-action was the spring game. This is only his second outing with live bullets coming at him. We had a few route issues tonight, but overall, I feel pretty good about what we saw.”

Defensively on both sides, the teams had the routine early season issues with a few encroachments, pass interference, and the coaches on both sides have to practice staying back to avoid the sideline infractions. All things that practice are correct.

Both teams had plenty to talk about with good rushing, great size up front, and few huge break-away plays. Defensive back coverage was good for this point in the season and both teams had the occasional issue.

The Indian's special teams' kick coverage showed an area for concern as the Panthers were only stopped a single time from gaining significant yardage on kickoffs and punts.

“We have some things to improve on with kick coverage,” said Reynolds. “It’s ongoing work, but we are getting better. Tonight showed us some things.”

Noticeable was the Panther's zero attempts at kicking point after attempts. The post-game word was the kicker is a multi-position player who got dinged up early and was best to not try his leg right now. All Arnette would say on the record was “Not being able to kick is concerning.”

Several Junior Varsity players showed some serious skills which if needed, could be pulled up onto the varsity squad. Keystone Heights sophomore Destin Harnage and freshman Brody Stephens both had great runs in the second half with Stephens looking to be a great inside pounder, and Harnage showing blistering speed.