Panthers advance to first championship game in school history

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — The Perry Panthers hit the road to visit the Starr’s Mill Panthers in Friday’s semi-final matchup, and came home winners in a 28-24 final.

Starr’s Mill drove down to the Perry five-yard line late in the game, but a stop on a fourth-down all but ensured Perry’s victory.

They trailed by 24-14 late in the third quarter, but two drives of 80- and 99-yards put them up 28-24.

It was rough for Perry to start, however.

On the opening kickoff Starr’s Mill ripped off a couple of big plays before punching it in five yards to go up 7-0.

Perry’s offense couldn’t respond on their first two possessions, either, as they punted on both. The defense did step up as Starr’s Mill got to their 18-yard line, but they stopped any forward movement and forced a field goal.

Near the end of the first quarter Perry shook off their poor start running out to their own 47-yard line. On 3rd-and-11 senior quarterback Colter Ginn completed a long pass to junior Ahmad Gordon down to the seven-yard line.

Perry drove down to the one-yard line and Gordon scored to cut the Starr’s Mill lead down to 10-7.

Perry had a chance to tie or take the lead on the one-yard line, but Gordon slipped on fourth down and turned the ball over on downs as Starr’s Mill took a 10-7 lead into halftime.

Gordon redeemed himself as Perry carried their first-half momentum into the third quarter. Junior receiver Kory Pettigrew put Perry on the Starr’s Mill 13-yard line and Gordon capped the drive off with a touchdown to take their first lead at 14-0.

It was short lived as Starr’s Mill answered with a touchdown to go up 17-14.

Towards the end of the third quarter Starr’s Mill added to their lead at 24-14, but little did they know that would be their final score.

Perry needed to come out firing in the fourth quarter, and Ginn launched a 60-yard pass to junior receiver Kiel Sparks to put them on the Starr’s Mill 21-yard line. Ginn found senior wideout Dakarai Anderson for the score, and Perry only trailed 24-21entering the final period.

On the ensuing possession Perry was able to stop Starr’s Mill and force a punt, but that put Perry pinned on their own one-yard line. Ginn completed a 55-plus yard touchdown pass to take the lead for the final time, however.

Perry was able to stop Starr’s Mill for a fourth and four and a punt. Starr’s Mill would pin Perry at their own one-yard line. A tough spot for Perry but was able to recover with strong runs and passes moving the ball out to the 32-yard line. Colter Ginn would then complete a pass for a 55+ yard touchdown to take the lead one final time at 28-24.

UP NEXT

Perry will play in their first ever championship game on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. against Stockbridge, who just took down the reigning 4A champion in Benedictine. The game will take place in the Mercedez-Benz stadium in Atlanta.

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