Johnson High School made a last minute effort in Thursday’s football game at Liberty County High School. But the Panther defense stayed strong giving the Liberty team their third win in a row, pounding the Atom Smashers 40-20.

The 3-0 Panther team shutout the visitors the entire first half of regulation. The Liberty squad had a 10-0 lead at halftime. In the third quarter Johnson managed a touchdown, but Liberty answered and was up 16-6.

The Panther defense squashed the Atom Smashers running game allowing only 56 yards. Johnson High’s quarterback Raquan Green had to air it out successfully completing 8 of 19 for 163 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came in the Atom Smashers’ fourth quarter comeback effort.

The Panthers’ offense bounced back scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter making a statement and earning the 40-20 win.

Liberty is 3-0 and will travel to Cross Creek Sept. 20.

Read Wednesday’s Coastal Courier for the complete game report including the Panthers’ offensive and defensive statistics.