The Liberty County Panthers return to action – and start their Region 3-AAAA schedule – Friday night at home against New Hampstead.

The Panthers, 1-3, have had two weeks to prepare and resolve the mistakes from their 20-19 loss to McIntosh County Academy. The Phoenix, also 1-3, have had a week off since recording their first win of the season, a 34-7 win over Harris County.

Sophomore Antonio Benton was 19 of 29 passing for 363 yards and three touchdowns in the Phoenix win.

Junior Layne Watkins caught six passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and Cayden Goldwire had seven receptions for 55 yards.

Christian Kinlaw ran for 90 yards and a score on 16 carries as the Phoenix also compiled 125 yards on the ground.

Benton has thrown for 617 yards and six touchdowns, though he has thrown five interceptions. Watkins tops the Phoenix receiving corps with 253 yards on 12 catches and Kinlaw has 242 yards rushing on 43 attempts.

Junior Jaeir Roberts has thrown for 255 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for another 115 yards and a score to lead the Panthers. Noel Best has 355 yards and five touchdowns on 56 rushing attempts, and senior Aaron Brown has 10 catches for 141 yards and four TDs.

David Bacon has a team-best 25 tackles, and Mekhi James, who has 24 stops, tops the team with 4.5 tackles for loss.

Kickoff at Donell Woods Stadium/Kirk Warner Field is set for 7:30 p.m.