Panthers stay focused in season opener despite weather delay

Waupaca quarterback Erik Harms was on the run from the Oconto Falls defense, led on this play by Dominic Treichel, most of the night Friday.

Josh Staloch photo

Oconto Falls quarterback Nathaniel White sends a pass downfield Friday night as the Panthers defeated the Comets 34-14

Josh Staloch photo

Landon Delfosse gets through the line to put pressure on Waupaca quarterback Erik Harms.

Josh Staloch photo

Caleb Dryja chases down Waupaca quarterback Erik Harms.

Josh Staloch photo

The sky above Comet Stadium was looking ominous before kickoff between Oconto Falls and Waupaca on Friday night.

Josh Staloch photo

Croix Garderbrecht sheds a Waupaca tackler on his way upfield Friday night in the 2026 season opener.

Josh Staloch photo

Waupaca’s Carter Solberg is about to run into Conner Ingram, backed up by Levi Mommaerts, on an offensive play that didn’t get very far Frida night.

Josh Staloch photo

Onni Hytinen waits for his opportunity to get through the Waupaca front line late in Friday night’s season opener against the Comets.

Josh Staloch photo

Posted Saturday, August 22, 2026 8:16 am

The scoreboard for Friday night’s season opener in Waupaca was scoreless when the whistle sounded on the first quarter. However, it would be a solid hour before the Panthers and the Comets could begin the second quarter of play. A nearby lightning bolt triggered a half-hour delay, followed by another one later during the break.

When play resumed, the Panthers quickly broke through with a 52-yard run by Croix Gardebrecht for the first score, leading to a 34-14 victory.