North Panola unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They were beaten by the Rosa Fort Lions 50-18 on Friday. Cougars fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team has lost against the Lions since Friday.
Despite the defeat, North Panola saw an underclassman step up: freshman Stetson Rayford picked up 52 receiving yards and one TD, and also rushed for 68 yards on only seven carries. Rayford's longest reception was for an impressive 55 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per catch total. Amiere Patton got in on the action as well, returning a kick for a touchdown.
Most of the squad's points came courtesy of special teams, who contributed 12 in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Patton, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.
North Panola didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Rod'Kevian Holliday and Rayford. Kayden Chapman was another major factor on D, making 12 total tackles (3.0 for loss).
This one was won in the trenches and the lion's share of the credit has to go to Christian Alexander and Gregory Hargrow. Alexander rushed for 217 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 10.9 yards per carry while Hargrow rushed for 157 yards and a pair of scores on only 14 carries. Those five rushing touchdowns gave Alexander a new career-high.
Looking ahead, North Panola is headed away from home for the first time to square off against Charleston at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Rosa Fort, they will host PURE Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
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