Panthers Have Strong Showing but Come Up Short at Home Against Pioneer
August 29th- The Panthers of Cumberland Gap High School looked to make it 2-0 at home to start the season as they welcomed the Thomas Walker Pioneers to DeLynn Cline Stadium on Friday night before ultimately falling to 1-1 after an exciting back and forth contest.
After winning the toss, Thomas Walker elected to receive the opening kick and both teams started 4-and-out in their opening offensive possessions. The latter half of the first quarter saw a lot more ball movement with Thomas Walker striking first and leading CG 6-0 at the 6:19 mark, while the Panthers were unable to find the endzone despite having success with a balanced passing and rushing attack.
The start of the second quarter saw more of the same with the Pioneers extending their lead 12-0 and the Panthers offense, despite having modest success early, continued to grow more potent as the game progressed. CG’s first scoring drive of the game was highlighted by more fantastic offensive line work opening a lane for a Landon Eldridge 18 yard rush and Noah Meyer scrambling to get them in the red zone. Meyer was able to put the Gap on the board with a fakeout keeper, making it 12-6 after the failed two point try. Thomas Walker was able to answer right before halftime though, making it 18-6 at the break.
The Panthers wasted no time to begin the second half as Kole Carter found Hunter Gibson for a 55 yard touchdown pass over the middle, cutting the deficit 18-13 after the PAT. The Pioneers continued to stay one step ahead however as they were able to extend their lead again 24-13 with 7:08 to go in the period. CG’s offense experienced a few setbacks to finish the third quarter with Carter being intercepted and a lost fumble a few minutes later.
Undeterred, the Panthers continued to keep their foot on the gas in the fourth quarter with Carter finding Hensley for a big gain to set them up in the red zone and Carter punching it in to make it 24-19 Pioneers. Thomas Walker’s offense continued to prove too much for Gap’s defense though and was able to add two more scores in the fourth quarter to stretch their lead 36-19. The Panthers had a shot late in the game after Carter found Benson Hensley for a big touchdown pass making it 36-27 after the successful two point try, but the Pioneers were able to run the clock out and win the game 36-27.
Cumberland Gap (1-1) looks to rebound next week on the road against the Eagles of Cosby High School (1-1) at 7pm.
For their efforts on offense, including a touchdown catch each, Benson Hensley and Hunter Gibson are your Danny England Motors Co-Offensive Players of the Game.
Gabe Daniels is your Whitaker Insurance Agency Defensive Player of the Game
-TheZone CB
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