Nov 28

This Day in #ReitzFootball History (Nov. 28): Panthers secure two state titles

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ReitzFootball.com proudly presents “This Day in #ReitzFootball History,” as we look back through almost 100 years of The Mighty Panthers.

On November 28:

  • Overall: 2-1-1 (4 games)
  • At Reitz Bowl (1957): 1-0
  • At Bosse Field (1929, 1935): 0-1-1
  • At Lucas Oil Stadium (2009): 1-0
  • On Thursday (1929, 1935, 1957): 1-1-1
  • On Saturday (2009): 1-0
  • Reitz has never played a Friday game on this date

Note: every Thursday game played on Nov. 27 has been on Thanksgiving

1929: Central 12, Reitz 6 (Tiny Ten Conference game)

1935: Reitz 0, Central 0 tie (SIAC game)

1957*: Reitz 33, Bosse 13 (SIAC game)

“Reitz’ Panthers, one of the best football teams ever fashioned in Evansville, ended a perfect 10-0 season yesterday and at the same time won the state, city and SIAC championships by defeating Bosse, 33-13, at Reitz Bowl.

The victory solidifed Reitz’ claim to the mythical state title. Coach Herman Byers‘ Panthers, who haven’t lost in 24 straight games now, have already been named state champs by International News Service. They’ve also been acclaimed Indiana co-champs by the Associated Press, and currently lead the Litkenhous ratings by a wide margin over East Chicago Roosevelt, the club which tied them for the AP honors.”

Led by the running of Jerry Thienes and Tom Trainer, the Panthers gained 349 yards rushing 16 passing for a 365 total. Reitz’s great defense limited Bosse to 58 yards rushing and 26 passing.

Thienes, a third-string fullback until 20 days ago, was the big gun. He scored three touchdowns on runs of 13, 26 and two yards.”

– Evansville Courier & Press, Nov. 29, 1957

2009*: Reitz 23, Lowell 9 (Class 4A State Championship game)

The Panthers scored their eleventh state championship by knocking off Lowell in the Class 4A finals for the second time in three years. Jeff Hudson, the offensive player of the game, led the Panthers with a touchdown pass, touchdown completion, two extra point kicks and a field goal. Cuda Dimmett was voted defensive player of the game for nine tackles and an interception.

* – denotes state championship season

 

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ReitzFootball.com

Dan Engler's love for Reitz Football goes back a long time. Engler played for the Panthers all four years of high school and graduated in 1996.
That summer, as the popularity of the Internet began to explode, Engler's search for Reitz Football information came up empty, so his father suggested he create a website. Engler taught himself HTML and launched the Unofficial Reitz High School Football Home Page that August.
Since then, Engler, through ReitzFootball.com, has spent the past 25 years chronicling the rich history and tradition of Reitz High School Football.
Engler and his wife, Melissa, have two sons, Logan and Micah, and a daughter, Juliette. Engler has traveled all over the world but is proud to call Evansville his home.

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