ANAHUAC – Putting together some nice offensive drives and making some key defensive stops, the Bridge City Cardinals nailed down their first win of the season by going on the road and downing the Anahuac Panthers 35-21 Friday night.

The Cardinals (1-2) got on the board first when quarterback Ethan Ocguera scrambled loose for a 19-yard touchdown jaunt to make it 7-0.

Fullback Andy Lara gave the Cardinals a 14-7 edge when he bolted through the Panther defense for a 36-yard touchdown romp to make it 14-7.

Anahuac (0-3) was able to cut it to 14-13 just before the half.

Oceguera put the Cardinals up 21-13 with his second running touchdown of the night when he scored on a four-yard keeper.

The Panthers answered right back to tie it up at 21-21.

Dorian Pruitt capped off a nice drive and put the Cardinals ahead to stay when he scored from four yards away to give the Redbirds a 28-21 lead.

Harrison Gauthier, who was called up from the Cardinal JV this week, put the finishing touches on the victory with a one-yard touchdown jaunt.

The Cardinal defense received an interception apiece from Jackson Tims and Jake Potter to turn back Anahuac threats.

The Cardinals will play at Silsbee next Thursday night while Anahuac will host Kirbyville to start its district play.