Liberty County High School’s last hopes for a playoff spot crumbled at Donell Woods Stadium Friday night when Glynn Academy eked out a 26-22 win in front of a senior night crowd.
Glynn quickly stifled a short pass and short run by Panther Tavoris Lewis and then hit him at the line for a loss for a quick three and out in their opening drive.
A short punt by Adrien Vakerics gave the Red Terrors the ball at their own 42-yard line. The visiting team aired it out quickly, completing a pass and bringing the pig skin to the 16-yard line. On third and 13, the Terrors quarterback found his receiver in the corner of the end zone for the touchdown. The extra point was up and good. The Panthers drew a flag, but it was assessed on the ensuing kickoff.
The Panthers’ second offensive drive ended with a sack on quarterback Matt Desbiens, forcing Vakerics to punt the ball again.
But the Panther defense was able to stifle the run and the Terrors had to take their first punt. It pinned the Panther offense inside their 16. Panther running back Shadrach Thornton was hit for a loss at the 9. And Desbiens was sacked at the 3-yard line. Desbiens found some breathing room for his punter as Vakerics was called in to punt again.
The punt hit the side of his foot and went out of bounds, giving the Red Terrors the ball at the Panther 27 at the end of of the first quarter.
The Panthers did stop the run, but the Terrors lined up and made a 40-yard field goal to go up 10-0.
And just before halftime the Red Terrors marched downfield again and nailed a 30-yard field goal.
To open the third quarter the Panthers kicked to Glynn, who fumbled the reception, giving the ball to the home team. But they were unable to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs.
And LCHS’s next possession, from the wildcat formation Thornton put Jarrett Rivers in motion and pitched the ball to him. Rivers took one step and launched the ball downfield to Lewis. One quick move to the side and Lewis took it in for a 76-yard Panther touchdown. The home team converted for two and trailed 13-8.In the fourth quarter, Thornton mounted another drive, which ended with his 7-yard run, putting the Panthers up 15-13.
On the Terrors next drive, the quarterback tried a long pass and defender Tommy Williams stepped in front for an interception and ran for a 52-yard TD. The home team extended their lead to 22-13.
But Glynn still had two quick running backs. Within a span of three minutes they ran in 45-yard and 14-yard touchdowns for the win.
With the loss, the Panthers are likely out of the playoffs. Liberty finished 1-4 in Region 2A-AAAA. Brunswick finished first with Ware, Glynn and Wayne counties rounding out the four spots.
The boys are scheduled to play at home next week for the sub-region game and it appears they will host Evans who boast a 5-4 overall and 2-3 2B-AAAA mark.
Stats
Thornton had 18 carries for 80 yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions for 19 yards, was 2 of 3 for 14 yards passing , and a 2pt conversion pass.
Lewis had 5 receptions for 114 yards 1 TD and 1 2pt conversion catch, 5 carries for 36 yards.
Desbiens was 6 of 12 for 58 yards passing.
Rivers was 1 of 1 for 76 yard TD pass.
Williams had the INT for a TD (52 yards).