Unfortunately for Jackson County it was an uphill battle filled with questionable calls and some unlucky breaks as the Panthers fell 31-16.
“It was a game of what could have been,” Jackson County coach Benji Harrison said.
At the start of the game, Hart County landed the first blow when it moved methodically down the field by hands of their running backs, K.J Moore and Antwon Hazzard. The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 7-0 lead.
The Panthers were not ready to call it quits just yet.
It was the defense that stepped up big for the majority of the first half, wreaking havoc on the Hart County offense. The Panther defense mustered up a handful of sacks, an interception and a safety and only allowed two first-half touchdowns.
“The defense came up big for us. They really made some big plays,” Harrison said.
Harrison was also pleased with the offense.
“I felt the offense came up with big plays, we just did not do it when it counted,” he said.
The offense was fearless all game, taking shots down field and going for it on fourth down. Junior receivers Ben Brissy and Xavier Harper tore the Hart County defense apart. Brissy had seven catches for 95 yards yards. While Harper caught 14 balls for 157 yards.
The difference in the game was the inability to get into the end zone in the first half. The Panther offense reached the red zone twice and once was within five yards. They came away empty- handed both attempts.
“We gotta finish the drives,” Harrison said.
Hart County led 14-2 at the half.
The second half of play was plagued with turnovers for both teams.
Senior Panther quarterback Kyle Daniel — who threw 60 passes — threw three picks and two of them were returned for touchdowns.
But similar to the first half, the defense held their own again, allowing only a few big plays — mainly big runs by Hart County quarterback Dakota Mitchell.
Despite the big runs, the defense held Hart County to a field goal. They also forced a couple fumbles, one by Georgia State commit, River Bryant.
Bryant’s forced fumble led to a Dustin Scott rushing touchdown. Scott finished with two on the night.
The questionable penalties, turnovers and two red zone drives stopped the Panthers, however, and they left the gridiron losing 31-16.
Even with the loss, Harrison was proud of the effort by his team.
After the game, the team was huddled and he praised the fight the team brought to the game.
“I am happy with the effort my team gave. We still control our position in the playoffs,” Harrison said.
