Heading to Alamosa for the sixth game of its season, the Montezuma-Cortez High School football team knew that it would be in for a war as the Mean Moose always rank among the Intermountain League’s most physical teams.

Showing no aversion to contact and matching Alamosa hit for hit, the Panthers came through with a 20-14 victory that ranked among the most impressive in Scott Conklin’s coaching career.

Senior quarterback Ike Dennison proved to be key for the Panthers as the senior completed 14 of his 22 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. M-CHS’ passing game was complemented by 56 rushing yards from Vinny Conklin and 42 yards from Jacob Schuster.

Vinny Conklin also enjoyed a solid day catching the ball as the senior pulled down five passes for 84 yards and one touchdown. Cordell Baer made seven catches for 98 yards and one touchdown, and Matthew Broughton scored one rushing touchdown.

The Panthers defense was led by Vinny Conklin, who made 17 total tackles, and Broughton, who came through with 13 tackles and a sack. Swayde Noyes, Kerwin Tom, and Baer also had sacks for M-CHS.

The Panthers led 7-6 at the end of the first quarter and 14-6 at halftime. Alamosa and M-CHS each scored touchdowns in the fourth quarter before the final buzzer sounded with the Panthers ahead by six points.

Now 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the Intermountain League, the Panthers will prepare to hit the road for a tough matchup against defending Class 2A state champion Bayfield on Oct. 12. Bayfield will enter the contest with a 4-1 record.