ODESSA — The Abilene High football team rallied from down 19 points at halftime to give itself a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter Thursday against Odessa Permian, but a late turnover on downs in the red zone left the Eagles on the wrong side of a 42-37 decision at Ratliff Stadium.

After trading scores with the Panthers to start the game, AHS lost pace with Permian, which scored on every possession but one in the first half on its way to a 35-16 halftime advantage.

The Eagles tightened up on defense after halftime, limiting their former Little Southwest Conference rival to a single fourth-quarter touchdown, but that was enough for the Panthers to escape with a thrilling win thanks to a late defensive stand.