Written by: Danny Talbert
LaGrange, Ga.-- The Panthers hard fought and well-played first quarter was not enough to overcome Belhaven University today (Oct. 14). LC dropped the game 42-20. The visiting Blazers led 7-0 after one quarter, 35-6 at halftime, and 42-6 after three quarters en route to victory against the host LC Panthers. The Panthers travel to face Maryville on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.
The offense
Rashod Brockington and Jaden Mann split reps today at QB. Brockington went 16-37 for 165 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. One of the interceptions was an underthrown 50/50 ball that the defender picked off in the endzone. Mann threw for one touchdown and was 2-7 for 40 yards. Mann also ran for 12 yards today. Goldman Butler VI was the primary Panther RB and he again showed his ability to run over defenders. On 17 attempts, he ran for 70 yards. His best play came on a fourth and one. Butler looked stopped in the backfield but was able to break multiple tackles to get the Panther first down. The offense did not quit fighting until the very last whistle. Freshman RB Jaklien King scored his first touchdown as a Panther in the final few drives. The wide receiver group had some fantastic catches and made great blocks, but they also dropped multiple must-catch balls. Ashton Bryant led the team in yards with 51 on two receptions. Malachi Kelley and Jaden Smith both had touchdown catches today.
The defense
The Panther defense played very well today. In the first quarter, they held the powerful Blazer offense to only one touchdown and they held them to only one in the second half. The Blazers made some huge plays in the second quarter which widened their lead. One of the best series for the defense came after a fumbled punt gave the Blazers the ball on the LC 15. With less than ten minutes left and inside the Panther 20, the defense stopped them from scoring any points. The defense also continued their streak of forcing turnovers this week. With four minutes left, LB Chris Gunthrie forced a Belhaven fumble and fell on the ball. On the next Blazer drive, Demon Jones forced a fumble of his own to set up the final Panther touchdown with one minute left. Deon King Jr. led the Panthers in tackles with nine total.
The special teams
The Panthers' first extra point opportunity today was blocked but Landon Eaker made his next two. The Panther punting today was great. They put the ball within the Blazers 20 three times and had a handful of 50-yard plus punts.
Next game
LC travels to Tennessee to take on Maryville next Saturday (Oct. 21).
