Football Recap: Quitman Starts Season with Victory on the Road

Quitman had to kick off their season on the road on Friday, but they showed no ill effects. They skirted past the Kemper County Wildcats 34-32. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Panthers have posted since September 27, 2024.

Quitman's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Bryce Gavin led the charge by throwing for 144 yards and one TD while completing 75% of his passes, and also rushing for 56 yards. Jamarioun Dear was another key rusher, rushing for 58 yards and one score on only eight carries.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Quitman was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 211 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Kemper County only rushed for 98 rushing yards.

Quitman didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Dequavion Smith. Another thorn in Kemper County's side was Brytyavis Dear, who made 11 total tackles (6.0 for loss).

Kemper County's loss came despite strong showings from Gabriel Murray and Damarius Yates. Murray threw for 223 yards and one touchdown while picking up 10.6 yards per attempt, while Yates gained 120 total yards. Yates showed off some serious burst, connecting on a big catch for 65 yards.

Quitman didn't take long to hit the field again: they've already played their next matchup, a 48-7 defeat against Heidelberg on the 5th. As for Kemper County, they have also already played their next contest, a 36-12 loss against Noxubee County on the 5th.