Advertisement

Apex High School football holds off rival Panther Creek to open conference play

staff report

Apex High School earned its first conference win of the season Friday night in its first try, besting rival Panther Creek, 24-19.

Apex got out to a two score lead late in the first half, taking a 21-6 advantage into the break. But the Catamounts rallied in the second half, reaching 19 points. But the Cougars added a field goals and held Panther Creek at bay to secure the win.

Apex’s Cade Earl celebrates with Rocco Paolillo (52) after a play against Panther Creek during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex’s Cade Earl celebrates with Rocco Paolillo (52) after a play against Panther Creek during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex quarterback Kyle Hulse (16) looks to pass against Panther Creek during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex quarterback Kyle Hulse (16) looks to pass against Panther Creek during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex running back Kaiden Dupree (20) runs for yardage against Panther Creek during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex running back Kaiden Dupree (20) runs for yardage against Panther Creek during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek quarterback Tyler Walker (1) looks to pass under pressure from Apex’s Britton Thomas (14) during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek quarterback Tyler Walker (1) looks to pass under pressure from Apex’s Britton Thomas (14) during the first half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek wide receiver Michael Molina (6) runs for the touchdown during the first half against Apex. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek wide receiver Michael Molina (6) runs for the touchdown during the first half against Apex. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek running back Travis Woodard (28) runs along the sidelines past Apex’s Tas Clayton (11) during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek running back Travis Woodard (28) runs along the sidelines past Apex’s Tas Clayton (11) during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek defensive end Lacina Coulibaly (9) celebrates with Kurai Young (43) after a play against Apex during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek defensive end Lacina Coulibaly (9) celebrates with Kurai Young (43) after a play against Apex during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex wide receiver Coby Walker (6) runs for the first down against Panther Creek’s Edwin Akpu (24) during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex wide receiver Coby Walker (6) runs for the first down against Panther Creek’s Edwin Akpu (24) during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex tight end Kaleb Morrow during a play against Panther Creek during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex tight end Kaleb Morrow during a play against Panther Creek during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex wide receiver Coby Walker (6) runs cross field ahead of Panther Creek’s Elijah Quick (14) during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Apex wide receiver Coby Walker (6) runs cross field ahead of Panther Creek’s Elijah Quick (14) during the second half. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek running back Travis Woodard (28) runs for yardage late in the second half against Apex. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.
Panther Creek running back Travis Woodard (28) runs for yardage late in the second half against Apex. The Apex Cougars and the Panther Creek Catamounts met in a conference football game in Apex, N.C. on September 20, 2024.