Late in the fourth quarter senior Panther running back Shadrach Thornton picked up a one-hopper from a punt and dashed for 70 yards on what appeared to be the game winning touchdown against Wayne County High at Donell Woods tonight.

But the fans were quickly hushed as the referees called it back for holding. Wayne County eventually got the ball back and took a knee and the 21-20 win.

It was a battle where Wayne scored first and Liberty answered. By halftime the game was tied at 14. Led by Greyson Lambert the Yellow Jackets scored again and the Panthers, led by Thornton followed suit. The Panthers, however, went for two and were denied giving Wayne County the one point advantage.

With less than four minutes to play the crowd was on their feet as Thornton raced for the end zone to take the lead - only to have it wiped away, along with playoff hopes.

Read more in Sunday's Coastal Courier.