Although a game that ends with a score of 19-12 may seem close at first glance, the Hinesville Hurricanes had a decent lead for most of Saturday’s away game against the Tri-County Panthers. The match closed the semi-professional football team’s regular-season schedule.

Coach James Sharp said the squad had a comfortable 19-6 advantage as the final seconds ticked off the fourth-quarter clock. He said the coaches decided to pull the starters as a cautionary measure, and the Panthers used the opportunity to score a final touchdown with one second left on the clock.

But the local Hinesville team already had clinched its win and the division title. The team will sit out the first round of the playoffs this weekend.

The coaches think the extra week will help by giving injured players time to heal.

During the ’Canes’ Saturday victory, running back Kendrick Badger sustained a knee injury and coaches are uncertain about his return. Badger is one-third of the powerful running game the Hurricanes have built with Joseph Matavao and Devon Grey.

The Hurricanes are scheduled to host round two of the playoffs at 7 p.m. Aug. 28, but their opponent has not yet been determined.