The Pelham Panthers delivered one of their best performances of the year for the homecoming crowd by downing Oxford 40-17 Friday night.

Pelham High School football coach Brett Burnett said he was pleased with the team&8217;s performance on both sides of the ball. He noted improvement in the execution of the team&8217;s defensive scheme, as well the team&8217;s offensive performance.

The Panthers rushed for 226 yards and passed for 183 yards for 409 yards total offense.

Quarterback Josh Thomason completed 13 of 15 passes for four touchdowns.

Wes Holland rushed 14 times for 83 yards and caught four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Isaac Bivins caught three passes for 34 yards and two touchdowns while Shawn Lynch caught three passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Burnett especially liked the way his Panthers got off to a fast start.

Pelham led 33-7 at the half and held on defensively against their fellow 6A Yellow Jackets for the non-region win.

With the victory, Pelham&8217;s record improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 region.

Burnett listed as standout players Lynch, Steven Johnson, Bivins, Thomason and Holland.

He said players are starting to step up and make plays and said, &8220;That&8217;s a good sign.&8221;

He also said the team is understanding the defensive scheme better, is playing more physical up front and making tackles.

He said the offense is blocking better as well.

Thomason connected with Bivins twice for touchdown aerials of 6 and 14 yards, Lynch with a touchdown pass of 33 yards and Holland with a TD strike of 24 yards.

Daniel Jackson added a 21-yard field goal for the Panthers and Russell Prince scored on a 3-yard run.

The Panthers will go on the road to face region opponent Jackson-Olin Friday night