Van Alstyne, TX — In a season defined by close calls and tough breaks, the Van Alstyne Panthers finally found their breakthrough moment. After dropping four straight games earlier in the year, the Panthers have clawed their way within striking distance of playoff contention — and Thursday night’s 43–37 win over Farmersville proved just how far they’ve come. Behind quarterback Brayden Miller’s rushing attack, Van Alstyne outlasted the Farmers in a game moved up to Thursday due to forecasted rain, keeping their postseason hopes alive.

Back-and-Forth Battle

Both teams traded scores through the first half, with Farmersville holding a 24–21 lead at halftime. The Farmers leaned on their running game, while the Panthers kept pace behind Miller’s legs and a short touchdown run from Cayden Benedict.

The third quarter saw more of the same — steady drives, traded momentum, and little room for error. By the start of the fourth, Farmersville led 34–28, and it looked like Van Alstyne might run out of time.

Miller Delivers Late

But with the game — and perhaps their season — hanging in the balance, Miller took over.

Trailing 37–35 with less than a minute to play, the senior quarterback broke free on a keeper and dashed into the end zone with 37 seconds left, giving the Panthers the lead for good.

Benedict followed it up with a successful two-point conversion, extending the lead to 43–37.

Farmersville made one final push, reaching the Van Alstyne 20-yard line in the final seconds — but time expired before they could get another snap off.

Panthers Building Momentum

The win over Farmersville marks Van Alstyne’s second straight victory, following last week’s 41–13 rout of Gainesville. After a frustrating start to the year, the Panthers have found new life, improving to 3–4 overall and 2–2 in district play — and the playoff picture is now firmly in sight.

Thursday’s win was pivotal. With two games remaining — at winless Bonham (0–8) and home against Caddo Mills (4–4, 3–2 in district) — the Panthers control their own destiny: win both, and Van Alstyne moves to 4–2 in district, potentially claiming third place outright and securing a playoff berth. If they slip up once, they’d need Farmersville to drop at least one of its final two games, which is a very realistic scenario, as the Farmers face tough matchups against first and second-place Krum (7–0) and Sanger (5–3). A win over Caddo Mills would allow Van Alstyne to rise into third while leaving Caddo Mills and Farmersville to battle for the fourth and final playoff spot.

What once looked like a lost season now feels like a late surge, with the postseason very much within reach. Next up, Van Alstyne travels to Bonham next Friday night, aiming for their third straight win and momentum heading into November — and potentially, the playoffs.

The Anna Progress would like to thank Thomas Behymer (@shot.by.tank) for providing the game photography used in this coverage.