Written By: JMF
The Fleming County Panthers had a hunger in their eyes and wasted little time Friday night when hosting the West Carter Comets. The Panthers jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the 1st quarter and led by the same score at halftime. The Panthers would tack on 15 more points in the 2nd half to improve to 5-3 on the season with a final score of 36-7.
West Carter was hoping to improve off last week’s victory and win their 2nd straight game. However, the Panthers proved to be too much for the Comets. In fact the Comets wouldn’t score until late in the 4th quarter after the game had already been truly decided. The Comets are now 2-6 on the season.
A point of emphasis this week for the Panthers was to limit turnovers. The Panthers did just that, turning the ball over just one time, while forcing three turnovers. Owen Lowe and Isaac Frye each had a fumble recovery for the Panthers, and Craig Lofton got an interception in the winning effort.
The Panthers would control the game on the ground. Landon Johnson would have another strong performance. Building off last week’s effort, Johnson would carry the ball 10 times for 178 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Landon would also complete 1 of 1 passes for a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Harn.
Austin Trent would carry the ball 16 times for 100 yards and a touchdown. Aiden Johnson had 2 carries for 24 yards, and Jordan Harn had 5 carries for 4 yards to go along with his 21-yard touchdown reception.
Landon Johnson and Austin Trent not only led the team offensively, they also led the team defensively. Both Johnson and Trent would finish with 9 tackles each. Johnson would have 1 tackle-for-loss, while Trent would have 3 tackles-for-loss. In total the defense would hold the Comets to 7 points, 284 yards and forced 3 turnovers; all while recording 7 tackles-for-loss including 3 sacks in the win.
The Comets lone score would come late in the game on a 67-yard touchdown pass from Hayden Hall to Dwaylon Dean. Hall would finish 6 of 16 passing for 163 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Dean would carry the ball 22 times for 81 yards, and had 1 reception for 67 yards and a touchdown. Kale Black would have 6 carries for 46 yards. Isaiah Bond would have 3 receptions for 44 yards in the loss.
West Carter (2-6) will look to regroup and bounce back this coming Friday, Oct. 20th when they travel to Lewis County (2-6). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Fleming County (5-3) will look to win their 2nd straight game this coming Friday, Oct. 20th when they host Bath County (1-7). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Eva Patton Tackett
