Written by: Danny Talbert
The Panthers stout defensive performance was not enough to overcome the veteran Maryville Scots (Oct. 21). LC dropped the game 26-6. The visiting Panthers led 3-0 after one quarter, were trailing 13-3 at halftime, and 19-6 after three quarters on their way to dropping the game against the host Maryville Scots. The Panthers return home for senior day to face Brevard on Oct. 28 at 3 p.m.
The offense
Rashod Brockington threw for 106 yards on 15 completions and 28 attempts. He did not throw any touchdowns but did throw a behind and underthrown pass which was intercepted on the Panthers 25-yard line. Brockington also ran the ball 10 times for 38 yards. Goldman Butler VI ran had 16 touches and rushed for 16 total yards. Butler was Brockington's go-to receiver. He caught the ball four times for 26 yards. While this was not the best game for the Panthers offense, it is imperative to know that two of the five young offensive lineman were out with injuries.
The defense
Even though the defense also had multiple starters out, the game against the Scots was one of the best defensive performances of the year. The Panthers started the game by making big plays. On the Scots first drive, the defense stopped Maryville on a huge fourth down conversion. On the next drive, JayDon Cooper forced a fumble which was scooped up by Yavari Scott and taken down to the Marysville 15-yard line. This turnover set up the first quarter Panther field goal. After the Panther returner failed to recover the Maryville kick in the second quarter, the Scots gained possession on the LaGrange College 20. The defense stepped up big, forcing a 3 and out. The field goal unit then blocked the Scots attempt, which kept the score at 7-3. The defense made another fourth down stop at the end of the first half. With only a minute left, Deon King Jr. made a textbook tackle to prevent the fourth down conversion. Former running back who was recently moved to linebacker, JayDon Cooper, led the team in tackles with 10 total. Cooper also had an interception on a Maryville's two-point conversion. Sophomore defensive tackle Jaylan Harris had an outstanding game today. He had seven tackles and led the team in sacks with three and tackles for a loss with 3.5.
The special teams
The third unit played either great or subpar today, depending on which group you are talking about. Part of the great came from sophomore kicker Landon Eaker. He went 2-2 on field goals from the 23 and 28 which were the lone Panther points. Another positive came from the field goal defense. Today, this unit blocked two Scot field goals. One aspect of the special teams that was subpar was the kick return unit. After the Scots went up 7-3 in the second quarter, the Panther kick return team allowed Maryville's players to recover a 40-yard onside kick after the returner did not touch it. This set up the Scots offense on the Panther 20.
Next game
Senior day is next week in Callaway Stadium against Brevard. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.
