The Jills at the Bills-Panthers game

After an opening day loss to the Patriots, Bills fans still showed up to fill the lots and the stadium when the Bills played host to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. With Bills greats from several generations in town for alumni weekend and a special Wall of Fame ceremony scheduled at halftime, a lot of positive energy was in the stadium for the home team. Despite big plays all game long by Mario Williams, a shoo-in for NFL Defensive Player of the Week with 4 1/2 sacks, a franchise record, the Bills faced a 23-17 deficit with 98 seconds remaining. In previous years, the Bills may have fallen short, but rookie QB E.J. Manuel led the Bills down the field with a veteran-like presence. Heads up plays by captain Fred Jackson kept the drive going long enough for Manuel to connect with Stevie Johnson with the game-winning TD with 2 seconds remaining. That, combined with rookie LB's Kiko Alonso's sack on a delayed blitz on Carolina's final play, sent Bills fans home happy with a hard-fought win.

Emily, Alyssa K, Lisa, and Christina waiting to head out

The Bills have been playing short-handed for the last month and the Jills found out what that was like as well with some noteworthy absences from the sidelines. Lisa's line even went without captains at all with Lisa on limited duty and Lindsey out of action. Between 2nd year vets Emmy, Katie, and Kelsey though, they kept things running smoothly on that line all game long. After Emily was announced as the Jill of the Game, the day for the Jills went much the same as it usually did despite the absences.

Welcoming the Bills onto the field

Hayley and Katrina all smiles on the sideline

Katrina in action

Jenny

Hannah and Lisa coming out for halftime ceremony

Myesha leading the way out for the 2nd half

Megan, Hannah, and Melissa in action

Jenny, Kayla, and Alyssa K heading in for a costume change

Ashley C and Amber coming up the tunnel

There was one very notable change that happened during the game however. With 2 Bandettes alumnae on the squad, one would think that there would be some influences and that came about with the 3rd quarter break performance the Jills always put on. Through the years, except the Christmas game, the Jills stick with one outfit all game long, the only changes they'll make is adding or subtracting some gear based on the weather. Late in the 3rd quarter, the Jills went back to the locker room and came out in cutoffs and flannel shirts, an outfit seen on the Bandettes a few games a year. Needless to say, the fans loved it and were hopeful they'll get to see stuff like that more often.

Coming off the field after the 3rd quarter break in their cut-offs and flannels

Allysha flashes a pretty smile as she and Emmy exit the field

See all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/33620

Next up for the Jills, they'll be back at home on the 29th as the Bills play host to the reigning Super Bowl Champs in a sold-out matchup at the Ralph!