FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Pelham High Panthers closed out the 2007 preseason in dominating fashion Friday night during a jamboree at Ned Bearden Stadium as the team scored early and never looked back en route to a 35-7 win over the Springville High Tigers.

Pelham got on the board first in the opening quarter when Andrew Field scampered in from 17 yards out to give the Panthers a 7-0 lead after the extra point.

Ryan Williams made it 14-0 with a 9-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, but Springville quickly answered to pull the game to within a touchdown.

But that would be as close as the Tigers would get.

In the second quarter, Pelham opened the lead to 21-7 when quarterback Will Hyden connected with Shawn Lynch for a 19-yard touchdown pass and then increased the lead to 28-7 with a 3-yard touchdown run by Fields later in the quarter.

Pelham closed out the scoring in the third quarter when Hyden connected with Lynch for the second time of the night on a 64-yard touchdown strike.

The Panthers will return to action Thursday as they travel to former region-rival Spain Park for the first regular-season game.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m