There is an old phrase that people say - “They won it by the skin of their teeth.” Many would say that is exactly what the Panthers did at Richland during the last regular game of the season two weeks ago. That win gave them the chance to enter the playoffs, and that chance was taken at McComb High School where the Panthers faced off against the Tigers in the C.C. Moore Stadium Friday night.
With both teams lined up on the field, a kick from the Tigers went into the arms of #16 J’lon McCoy. McCoy on the carry wasted no time running past the Tigers straight to the end zone where the Panthers scored their fastest touchdown and earned 6 points. The PAT was no good.
The Tigers then attempted a long pass from the 45 yard line, but #11 Braylon Peters intercepted the pass. The Panthers’ defensive line was pushed back to their own 10 yard line where they punted the ball to the Tigers’ 10 yard line. The Tigers attempted a pass, but it was again intercepted, this time by #19 Senior Defensive Back KeShawn McDonald. McDonald ran the ball to the end zone after the interception and scored another touchdown for the Panthers. The Panthers attempted a two-point conversion after the touchdown, and A.K. Dear successfully ran the ball back into the endzone to complete the two-point conversion.
The score at the end of the first quarter was Panthers 14 - Tigers 0.
Jias Davis punted the ball to the 42 at the beginning of the second quarter of the game. The Panthers pushed the ball to the Tiger 37 yard line where the Panthers gained control of the ball. Dear ran the ball to the Tiger 20 and passed the ball to Peters on the 10 where he ran the ball into the endzone. After Peters’ touchdown, Davis punted a successful PAT and earned 7 points for the score. Panthers 21 - Tigers 0.
In the next play, Davis kicked the ball to the 40, where the Tigers fumbled. The fumble was recovered by #25 Sophomore Wide Receiver Shadarius Martin. The Panthers pushed the ball to the endzone with the ball in the hands of #4 Sophomore Wide Receiver and Down Back Jaeden Jones. With a successful PAT from Davis, the score was 28 - 0. Before the second quarter ended, the Tigers scored a touchdown with a successful PAT leaving the halftime score Panthers 28 - Tigers 7.
At the start of the third quarter, Davis kicked to the 31 yard line. The Panthers gained control of the ball after a fumble on the Panther 47 yard line and pushed all the way to the 18 yard line. Dear scored another touchdown for the Panthers, and the PAT from Davis was good. Panthers 35 - Tigers 7.
On the next play, the Tigers kicked to the 39, and the Panthers pushed all the way to the 30 yard line before they lost control of the ball. As the Tigers passed the ball, the ball was intercepted by Braylon Peters who pushed the ball to the end zone with a touchdown for the Panthers. With a successful PAT from Davis, the score was now Panthers 42 - Tigers 7. This was also the last time the Panthers scored in the game. The Tigers scored two touchdowns and followed them up with two successful PATs. The final score was Panthers 42 - Tigers 21.
In the end, the Panthers didn’t squander their chance in the first round of playoffs and were rewarded with the second round. The second round will be played against Moss Point at Quitman on Panther Field this Friday at 7 p.m. Panther stadium will open at 5:45 p.m.
If you are planning on attending, please be aware that seasonal passes, all sports passes, or reserved seating WILL NOT be honored for playoff games. You must purchase your tickets for this game on the GoFan website or app at https://gofan.co/app/events/773887?schoolId=MS19396 .
Come out and support our guys as they continue their playoff journey! Go Panthers!
