It was the first Friday night lights for the Panthers and the Grizzlies, August 20. There was plenty of unknowns on both sides of the field as the ball was kicked into play.
Cumberland Gap wasn’t fast enough to the ball on the opening kickoff and Grainger recovered and started a drive that ended in a touchdown. The Panthers special team blocked the point after but the Grizzlies led 6-0.
The Panthers then drove to the 24 yard line but fumbled the chance away. Grainger was driving when the first quarter ended.
Grainger continued their drive and scored again. After a good two point conversion the Grizz led 14-0.
Grainger added another score at the 8:03 mark in the first half and added two on the conversion to lead 22-0.
Cumberland Gap got their first score set up by determined running by Ethan Slusher. Bryson Ellis found pay dirt but the Panthers two point try failed. The score at the half was 22-6.
The Grizzlies added one score in the third quarter increasing their lead to 28-14.
Cumberland Gap did not give up and battled to score again. It was Slusher, once again, who reached for the goal line but the ball popped out of his grasp and Lance Owens landed on it for the score. The two point conversion failed but the Panthers had chipped into the lead 28-14.
Grainger scored once more and the game ended 34-14.
Panther fans were excited how the team played up on this night against a very good team. The Panthers will suit up next Friday for the home opener against Thomas Walker.
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