TCC tests Panthers in Spring Game

Coming off consecutive playoff appearances, the Perry Panthers took the field for the first time this season, as they battled Thomas County Central in their annual Spring Game Friday night. And Coach Smith, now in his sixth season as head coach and athletic director, got his first look at the 2022 roster in action.

Quarterback Amar Gordon, who threw for almost 3,000 yards last season, tested Thomas County’s secondary early in the game, hitting senior Caleb Wilson for a 54-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Although he only played one quarter, Gordon managed to rack up 130 passing yards and a touchdown, completing 12 out of his 18 attempted passes—a performance that has to instill confidence in Coach Smith, who hopes to make another playoff run.

All things were not going according to script, however. On the defensive side of the ball, Perry struggled to contain Thomas County’s passing attack, allowing 409 yards through the air and 549 yards of total offense.

Early in the game, Thomas County had success with the dink and dunk offense, as Perry’s defense failed to wrap up the receivers after several short completions, some of which turned into substantial gains. Perry’s defense tightened up with two goal line stands in the second quarter, however, forcing Thomas County to settle for two field goal attempts.

At halftime, the Panthers were down 18-12.

With Gordon on the sidelines, sophomore quarterback Cullen McDaniel provided a spark off the bench, throwing for 101 yards and two touchdowns, including a 61-yard touchdown strike to Rodarious Lewis. Trailing 30-18, the Panthers, buoyed by the stellar play of McDaniel, eventually closed the gap and clawed their way back to even things up at 30-30, where the score would remain knotted.

Over the course of the game, Perry’s offense showed flashes of brilliance, but they are going to need someone to step up and fill the huge void left by Daequan Wright, who accounted for 24 of Perry’s 55 offensive touchdowns last season (14 receiving and 10 rushing). And the defense exhibited grit and resilience, bending at times but never breaking.

It should be an interesting season for Coach Smith and the Perry Panthers. And I know the Perry faithful can’t wait for the first game against Houston County August 26th.

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