WEST LOWNDES – West Lowndes dominated Myrtle in a decisive 46-12 victory Friday night, showcasing their relentless rushing attack and strong defensive plays. The Panthers overcame early miscues and penalties to take control of the game, steadily building their lead while stifling Myrtle’s offensive efforts.
West Lowndes won the toss and deferred, but Myrtle wasted no time striking first. On a flea-flicker, wide receiver Seth Thompson was wide open for a pass that he would take in for a 48-yard touchdown. However, the Hawks’ two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. West Lowndes struggled on their opening drive, gaining an initial first down before penalties and a sack pushed them into a second-and-39 situation. A punt gave Myrtle the ball, but the Panthers’ defense responded with a quick three-and-out, forcing a 20-yard punt that set West Lowndes up at Myrtle’s 45-yard line.
Despite favorable field position, back-to-back penalties left West Lowndes facing first-and-35. They managed to advance to Myrtle’s 48 before punting again. Myrtle briefly found momentum with a 37-yard pass from Hill to wide receiver Harlem McClendon but fumbled the snap on the ensuing play, handing possession to West Lowndes. The Panthers seized the opportunity, with Kam Evans breaking loose for a 29-yard run and Jaykalan Lucious adding 15 more to close out the first quarter deep in Myrtle territory.
Head coach Anthony King spoke about what he saw from his team’s relentless rushing attack.
“They have been doing it all year,” King said. “They run hard and run fast behind that defensive line.”
West Lowndes opened the second quarter with Lucious rushing for 15 yards, setting up a 10-yard touchdown by Evans. The Hawks were held to another three-and-out, giving the Panthers a chance to extend their lead. Lucious broke free for a long run to the 2-yard line, and Evans capped off the drive with another touchdown. This time, the two-point conversion was successful, putting West Lowndes up 14-6.
Myrtle tried to respond, with Hill finding wide receiver John Hunter Smith for a big gain to the Panthers’ 23. However, an offensive pass interference call stalled their drive, and they were forced to punt. West Lowndes wasted no time, with Evans rushing to the 46 and Lucious adding a big gain to Myrtle’s 27. After a botched snap and a penalty pushed them back, Lucious exploded for a 43-yard run, and quarterback Jonivan Edwards punched it in from three yards out. A successful two-point conversion extended the lead to 22-6 at halftime.
Myrtle’s second-half kickoff sailed out of bounds, setting up West Lowndes with excellent field position. Back-to-back 30-yard runs, including a touchdown by Evans, extended the Panthers’ lead. Myrtle continued to struggle offensively, failing to convert on fourth down. West Lowndes capitalized immediately, with Evans breaking free for a 44-yard touchdown run. After another out-of-bounds kickoff, Myrtle was held to a three-and-out.
The Panthers’ offense continued its onslaught. Despite a holding penalty, Evans recovered a dropped snap and rushed to Myrtle’s 26-yard line. Two penalties by the Hawks moved the ball to the 16, and Lucious ran it in for a touchdown, accompanied by another successful two-point conversion.
Trailing 46-6, Myrtle managed to put together a late drive aided by a defensive pass interference call. Hill connected with wide receiver JJ Hall for a 15-yard touchdown, but the two-point conversion pass was intercepted by West Lowndes. Myrtle attempted an onside kick, but it failed to travel 10 yards, giving the Panthers possession at Myrtle’s 48.
West Lowndes ran down the clock with a series of rushing plays. After the kneel on 4th down by Edwards, Myrtle made one final push, with Hall catching a 30-yard pass, but the Panthers’ defense held strong to seal the game.
“We are on a 5 game winning streak,” King said. “We get to go and try and make it 6 next week as we gear up to go play for a chance at (the state championship) .”
West Lowndes will be on the road to face Baldwyn in the North half final, aiming to continue their playoff run and secure a spot in the state title game.
West Lowndes 46, Myrtle 12
West Lowndes (8-5) 0 22 16 8 — 46
Myrtle (8-4) 6 0 0 6 — 12
First quarter
MYR — Hill 48-yard pass to Thompson (2-pt conversion failed)
Second quarter
WL — Evans 10-yard run (2-pt conversion failed)
WL — Evans 2-yard run (2-pt conversion good)
WL — Edwards 3-yard run (2-pt conversion good)
Third quarter
WL — Evans 30-yard run (2-pt conversion good)
WL — Evans 44-yard run (2-pt conversion good)
Fourth quarter
WL — Lucious 16-yard run (2-pt conversion good)
MYR — Hill 15-yard pass to Hall (2-pt conversion intercepted)
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