Panthers scored first with a long pass from quarterback Dre Kel Betts to Jeremiah Mann, who carried the ball into the end zone in front of a cheering crowd around the 10:36 mark near the top of the second quarter. Add in the 2-point conversion, and the score was 8-0.
But… about a minute later, Rocky Mount Prep struck back with a pass thrown around the 30-yard line that connected with a Jaquar, who hit the gas and ran roughly 20 yards into the end zone around the 9:39 mark. Conversion no good – score 8-6.
Jaguars then scored again on a 10-yard run to the left into the end zone around the 1:50 mark near the end of the second quarter. The conversion failed, so the score was 12-8 going into halftime.
During halftime, the crowd honored members of the 1983 Creswell Tigers State Finalist Football Team – a historic season with a 9-3 record proving that it’s not the size of the team, but the size of the team’s heart, that matters most. Tigers had a good run to the big game, but fell to Robbinsville 28-6.
The third quarter begins with Jaquars scoring a touchdown after a long pass and run into the end zone around the 10-minute mark. The conversion adds two more points to the board, bringing the score to 20-8.
Panthers’ coaches shout encouragement to the home team – “It ain’t over til it’s over.”
Panthers rally with a few good runs to gain some yardage, but a Jaguars’ interception near the 25-yard line runs the ball into the end zone around the 7:42 mark. Conversion is good, so the score is 28-8.
Panthers were not done scoring yet – run the ball to 1st-and-goal. Betts on the carry – score! Conversion no good, and with around 3:51 left in the quarter, the score is 28-14.
A few notes – Zyterrious Clagon and Symir Jackson had good tackles – you could almost feel a shockwave from across the field when they tackled the Jaguars’ players.
A lot of flags were thrown against both sides. And there were a few missed opportunities for the Panthers — close to the end zone, but no cigar.
One or two passes connecting the right way could’ve changed the balance of the game, but that said, the ball rolls funny for everyone at the beginning of any season.
Sheriff Arlo Norman watched the game and cheered for the Panthers. The crowd was enthusiastic, and that was sure to inspire the Panthers to play their hearts out.
The fourth quarter seemed to be plagued by Panthers’ injuries. Let’s hope that doesn’t affect Friday’s away non-conference game against Southside (1-1). Last week, coming off a 28-17 loss to North Duplin, Southside beat North Edgecombe 26-20 on Monday.