Liberty County High School advances to the second round of the state playoffs after defeating Upson-Lee 31-22 at home Friday night a Donell Woods Stadium.

Based on the outcome of other class AAAA games, the Panthers will have to travel to play at Cartersville next week for round two.

It was a complete team effort for the Panthers who went back and forth with the Knights in an intense first round game played on a semi-foggy field and cold temps.

The Knights responded to Liberty’s touchdowns and were prepared to take the game down to the wire.

At halftime it was tied 15-15.

The usual suspects, Richard LeCounte, Jacquez Williams and Elisha Polite did what was expected of them. But some other Panthers stepped up for the win. Calvin Holmes had two interceptions a deflected pass and huge gains for the offense on fourth quarter runs to seal the win. Cleon Hamilton made back-to-back receptions helping the Panthers eat the clock and move the ball downfield. Jeremiah Gilbert swarmed the Knight’s quarterback and Tramel Walthour had big tackles for loss.

According to preliminary stats LeCounte had 18 carries for 149 yards and three touchdowns. Taking the snaps under the wildcat he completed 6-of-13 for 90 yards and a touchdown. Polite made three receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown. Williams rushed for 72 yards on 14 carries.Hamilton’s two receptions netted 48 yards.

Read the full report in Sunday’s Coastal Courier.