On a flag riddled night the Quitman Panthers could not find a good rhythm. With seven very controversial pass interference penalties, the Panthers seem to lose their will.
Defensive Coordinator James Smith said, “We had good effort, but we must finish. We held them fairly well for three quarters until we lost focus.”
Captains for tonight’s game are #18 Dervon Altman, #53 Johnathan Gandy, #55 Zeke Campbell, and #60 Christian Nicholson.
Quitman won the toss and deferred to the 2nd half. #16 Brijuan Dace kicks off to start the game. After a penalty East Central starts on their own 31 yard line. On 2nd down a face mask penalty gives them a first down, they begin their ground game running attack, with the old football adage 3 yards and a cloud of dust. East Central is one of best running teams in the state, with a quarterback lead play. They were able to get in Panther’s territory on the 20 yard line but the defense would hold.
Quitman takes over on downs, after a pass interference penalty the Panthers pick up a 1st down. After another series of plays, the Panthers fumble and EC recovers on their 47 after a 3 and out. EC punts and #3 Dontavious Hall brings the ball out to the EC 48 yard line when time expires on the 1st quarter of play with a score of Quitman 0 East Central 0.
As the 2nd quarter starts, Quitman with possession loses big on 2nd down. On 3rd down EC commits a pass interference penalty leaving the Panthers with a 3rd and 3 because of the big 2nd down lost, the Panthers did not make a first down. The Panthers try a fake punt and the Hornets were ready for it and stopped the Panthers turning the ball over on downs. On the 2nd down of the series the Panthers cause a fumble and recover.
On the very next series of downs #11 Jed Lewis throws an interception and the Hornets take over after a short gain. On 4th and inches EC’s quarterback drops back for a pass when a flag was thrown for another pass interference penalty, which seemed to be the story of the night. With the crowd displaying their displeasure it would not be the last one.
On the 1st play from scrimmage after the flag a touchdown is scored by EC the PAT is good with 7:06 left in the 2nd quarter, EC 7 Quitman 0. After the kick to #3 Hall, he returns the ball to the 36 yard line where the Panthers take over. On the 2nd play from scrimmage #11 Jed Lewis gets loose and runs the distance for a touchdown. #16 Dace adds the PAT with 5:50 left in the first half Quitman 7 East Central 7.
After the kick by #2 Jaycolby Williams, EC takes over on their own 29 yard line. On EC’s 4th series of downs they score with 1:01 left in the 1st half EC 14 Quitman 7. Because of a penalty at the end of the 1st half the Panthers receive the ball deep in their own territory to start the 2nd half of play. The Panthers have a quick 3 and out with a very short punt from #2 Williams the ball is downed on the Panthers 41 yard line.
After a sustained drive the Hornets score again with 7:01 left in the 3rd quarter EC 21 Quitman 7.
On the kick off #13 Latrell Hatten has a good run back inside EC’s territory with the ball resting on the 37 yard line. The Panthers couldn’t seem to get going with a 3 and out. The Hornets take over after the punt with a good drive and the clock runs out with the score 21 EC to Quitman 7 ending the 3rd quarter.
Quitman’s defense shows toughness once again to force the ball from EC’s offense and take over on downs. Quitman’s offense start moving the ball to be penalized bringing up a critical 4th and 6 deep in their own territory. They would not convert it allowing EC to take over on downs.
East Central starts a good drive with several penalties on the Panthers. The story of the night is a penalty riddled game and a slow advancing offense. With 3:15 left in the 4th, EC scores on a pass play that had been defended well all night long, bringing the score to 28 East Central 7 Panthers.
With the Panthers back on offense they score with a pass to #13 Hatten and then goes for a 2 point conversion and it was no good. The score is now EC 28 Quitman 13. After the kick the Panthers allow EC to score again with a final scores East Central 35 Quitman Panthers 13.
Notable Offensive Players are#11 Jed Lewis - 60 yards, 1 touchdown; #4 Saveonne Evans - 28 yards; #3 Dontavious Hall - 16 yards; #7 Evan Dyess - 57 yards receiving; #13 Latrell Hatten - 34 yards, 1 touchdown; #14 Javante Charles - 31 yards receiving.
Defensive Notable Players are #5 Taderius Chapman - 13 tackles, 1 assist; # 16 Brijuan Dace - 11 tackles, 5 assist, 1 TFL; #18 Dervon Altman - 8 tackles, 3 assist, 1 sack, 2 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 hurry; #6 Shamorie Harris - 6 tackles, 3 assist, 1 force fumble.
The Panthers’ Homecoming is this Friday. Game time is at 7:00 against Philadelphia.
