1970 - Odessa Permian vs Austin Reagan State Championship Highlights

In December 1970, the Odessa Permian Panthers stormed into the Texas State Championship undefeated and dripping with swagger. Ranked #5 in the state to start the season, MOJO wasted no time climbing the charts—rocketing to #2 after toppling powerhouse and 1967 state finalist Abilene Cooper in a gritty 16–9 showdown.

Then came the earthquake. In bi-district play, Permian squared off against the #1 team in Texas—the defending state champion Wichita Falls Coyotes—and sent shockwaves through the Lone Star State with a stunning 22–19 upset.

From that moment on, MOJO reigned supreme at #1, barreling through the playoffs like a freight train. The Panthers dismantled South Oak Cliff 32–13 in the semifinals, earning a high-stakes rematch of the 1968 State Finals against Austin Reagan.

Though Permian fell just short, 21–14, the loss came with hard lessons and heroic effort. Four turnovers—including a devastating toss-pitch interception returned for a touchdown—couldn’t dim the shine of a team that refused to quit.

The '70 squad was stacked: 11 All-District standouts and 3 All-State players, led by two-way starter Larry Bates (Tight End/Defensive End), running back Daniel Justis, and sophomore two-way starter Joe Bob Bizzell, a dynamic presence at wide receiver and safety.

1970 MOJO Scoreboard:

Permian 34, Amarillo Tascosa 0
Permian 7, Killeen 0
Permian 55, El Paso Bel Air 7
Permian 54, Midland 7
Permian 34, Abilene 15
Permian 34, Big Spring 8
Permian 16, Abilene Cooper 9
Permian 27, Midland Lee 7
Permian 17, San Angelo 7
Permian 39, Odessa High 0

Playoffs:
Permian 22, Wichita Falls 19
Permian 22, Arlington High 0
Permian 18, Amarillo Palo Duro 6
Permian 32, Dallas South Oak Cliff 13
Permian 14, Austin Reagan 21 (State Championship)