Panthers rout Kinston Bulldogs

Published 12:28 am Saturday, September 16, 2017

Georgiana scored early, often and in a variety of ways as the Panthers mounted 60 points in the first half alone to rout the visiting Kinston Bulldogs, improving to 4-0.

Panthers quarterback Jamichael Stallworth got Georgiana started with his legs on a 42-yard touchdown run.  Jamarcus Sims reeled in a catch to tack on two points to make it 8-0.

Undaunted, the Bulldogs answered the challenge in just three game minutes as Kinston scored on a 10-yard run, evening the odds with their own two-point conversion with 6:55 remaining in the first.

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It would be the last Kinston score of the evening.

The remainder of the first half became a showcase for the Panthers in all three phases of the game as four different Panthers helped the Georgiana lead balloon to 60-8 at the half, including an interception returned for a 40-yard touchdown run by Chris Mixon.

Georgiana head football coach Ezell Powell said that, despite the difference between the Panthers and the Bulldogs, he urged his players to take each opponent seriously if the team were to hold on to its dreams of a third-consecutive region title.

“We always need to execute on offense, play fast and physical on defense and be explosive on special teams,” said Powell, noting that one never knows which of the three phases of the game would make the difference.

Stallworth added that though victory is always anticipated, it is only guaranteed with hard work.

“When teams don’t match our potential, we should dominate on both sides of the ball,” Stallworth said.

The Panthers will face their biggest opponent of the season, the undefeated Brantley Bulldogs, at home Friday.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.