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SALT LAKE CITY — Coming into Friday night's game against Olympus, West was still searching for its first win of the season. An 0-3 start had the Panthers in a tough spot, but all they needed was a spark.
The Panthers found it in the form of Louie Hamilton.
Hamilton — who plays wide receiver, halfback and safety — delivered a performance that will be talked about for weeks to come. With just four seconds left in the game and the Panthers down 38-34, West quarterback Kamden Lopati looked to Hamilton for a game-saving play.
Lopati lofted a perfect pass over his shoulder, and Hamilton made the catch of the night, securing a 40-38 victory and West's first win of the season.
"There's a great energy and great fans here," Hamilton said with a smile after the game. "We are definitely getting better."
Hamilton was everywhere on the field Friday night, finishing with 90 rushing yards, 151 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and several crucial defensive stops. His versatility and leadership were on full display as he carried West on his shoulders when it mattered most.
He's got the ability to change the game on both sides of the ball, showcasing that talent Friday night.
The win was a sigh of relief for a West team that had struggled through the first three weeks of the season. After tough losses to some of the top teams, the Panthers came into their home field against Olympus hungry for redemption. The game was intense, with both teams exchanging big plays and the crowd feeding off the excitement.
"There's a lot going on in a game like that," Hamilton said, reflecting on the back-and-forth nature of the matchup. "But we stayed focused, kept fighting, and it paid off."
West had been in a tough spot in the game, tied 14-14 at halftime, but Hamilton and the Panthers came out of the locker room with renewed energy. Hamilton's second-half touchdown, the game-winner, cemented his place as the star of the night.
With the first win now under their belt, Hamilton and the Panthers are eager to build on their momentum as they prepare to face Alta on the road Friday.
"We're working hard every week, and this was just the beginning," Hamilton said.
Whether it's his 90 rushing yards, three touchdowns, 151 receiving yards, or contributions on defense, Hamilton's impact on both sides of the ball has been undeniable. His football IQ and leadership have been crucial in helping the Panthers navigate the challenges of the season so far.
For a team that started the year with three consecutive losses, the road ahead may still be tough, but if Hamilton's performance on Friday night is any indication, West is more than ready for the challenge. As the team prepares to take on Alta, Hamilton remains optimistic about the future of the Panthers' season.
"We're definitely getting better," he said.
Hamilton's standout performance earned him Player of the Week honors and has put him on the radar as one of the top athletes to watch as the season progresses.
