The Panthers started the game on defense and did a good job at forcing the Broncos to punt after picking up one first down on their opening drive. The Panthers followed that up by going three-and-out on offense and then giving up a punt return touchdown on special teams to fall into an early deficit. The Broncos missed the extra point to keep the score at 6-0 with 10:18 left in the quarter.
Trenton Cannon made a mistake on the ensuing kickoff by catching the ball with his feet outside the end zone and had to return the kick, putting the Panthers at their own 15-yard line for their next drive.