Written By: JMF
County Panthers (4-3) are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss last week to East Carter. This week the Panthers host the West Carter Comets (2-5).
The Comets were finally able to breakthrough last week and got a blowout win over Bath County. The Panthers know that West Carter’s record is deceiving. The Comets have been in every game they have played this season and although they have five losses, those losses could have easily been wins.
The Panthers are still looking for consistency and are looking to limit their turnovers. The Panthers’ turnovers this season has come at costly moments this season.
There is no secret weapon for West Carter. Dwaylon Dean has made a name for himself this season. As goes Dean, so goes the Comets. Dean is coming off a game last week that seen him score 4 rushing touchdowns on 21 carries and 112 yards rushing. Dean has 1,113 yards rushing this season and has scored 18 rushing TDs. He is averaging 159 yards per game rushing and over 2 TDs per game rushing.
The Comets’ QB, Hayden Hall is coming off a very good performance last week as well. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the season, Hall has completed 46 of 106 passes for 665 yards and 4 touchdowns. However, Hall has also thrown 7 interceptions on the season.
In total the Comets are averaging 176.9 rushing yards per game and 100.7 passing yards per game. This week they will face a tough Panthers’ defense. It will be imperative that Hall make good decisions and that the Comets limit turnovers.
The Panthers have been led offensively by Austin Trent. Trent has 128 carries for 754 yards and 7 touchdowns on the season. However, Trent didn’t have one of his better games last week. He had 10 carries for 41 yards and no touchdowns. He will be looking to bounce back this week and get back to putting up the strong numbers that he has typically put up this season. Although, Trent didn’t have one of his strongest performances, Landon Johnson had a breakout game. Johnson had 11 carries for 184 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Prior to last week’s game, Johnson only had 3 carries for 88 yards and 1 TD. However, Landon had been a feature in the passing game. He has 26 receptions on the season for 436 yards and 4 touchdown receptions.
The Panthers’ QB, Nate Martin will look to bounce back this week after struggling against East Carter. Martin was 6 of 10 for 56 yards and he threw 2 interceptions. On the season, Martin is 58 of 103 for 864 yards passing and 7 touchdowns. However, he has also thrown 7 interceptions. He will look to limit those mistakes this week to help the Panthers bounce back.
The Panthers come into the matchup averaging 132.3 yards per game passing and 190.9 yards rushing. The Panthers are averaging 28.8 points per game, while allowing 19.8 points per game.
The Comets are averaging 26.4 points per game, while allowing 20.5 points per game.
This game could very well be a defensive battle, with the team that can limit turnovers being the team that comes out on top. One thing is for sure, you will want to get out to Fleming County this Friday, Oct. 13th to watch these two teams battle. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
