The Huntsville Panthers were the 45-31 winner over the Austin Black Bears when they last played one another back in October of 2022, but their luck changed this time around. Huntsville was beaten by Austin 52-25 on Friday. While losing is never fun, Huntsville can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Alabama football rankings (they are ranked 88th, while Austin is ranked 25th).
Despite the loss, Huntsville still got an impressive performance from Jacks Mcclung, who threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns while completing 72.5% of his passes, and also rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries. The team also got some help courtesy of Lawson Neighbors, who picked up 79 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Huntsville now has a losing record at 4-5. As for Austin, the victory (which was their sixth in a row) raised their record to 8-2.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Huntsville will take on Hazel Green at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hazel Green is still on the hunt for that elusive first 'W'. Austin will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Vestavia Hills at 7:00 p.m. on November 10th.
