Mara Brock Photo
The Panthers of Cumberland Gap traveled to Oneida for a first round playoff game, November 5. The Panthers were handed the ball first when the Indians deferred and then started a drive that included going for it on three different fourth downs and by doing so they depleted the entire opening quarter. As the second quarter began, The Panthers were faced with going for the first once again on fourth down. This time, a pass fell incomplete and the Panthers turned it over on downs.
The Panthers on their opening drive. Photo by Mara Brock
Oneida started their first drive of the game in quarter number two. Oneida began the drive with a run and then a pass interference call set up the Indian’s first score of the night at 8:46. The point after was good and the home team led 7-0.
The ensuing Oneida kick went out of bounds and the Panthers started on the 35 yard line. The drive was faced with yet another fourth and short and they converted moving the ball out to the 45 yard line. Ethan Slusher ran the ball to the Indians six yard line and with 3:15 remaining in the half called a time out. Faced with a fourth down and goal with 53 seconds left in the half, the Panthers called another time out to talk about the play. Slusher was able to just reach the goal line for the touchdown but the Panthers failed on the two point conversion try, 7-6 Oneida. The Indians answered quickly and with 20.7 seconds left in the half extended their lead out to 14-6. At the half, Oneida led by the same score.
The home team received the kickoff to open the second half and the drive ended in the third TD of the night for the Indians. After the failed point after the score moved out to 20-6.
Cumberland Gap needed to respond and Lance Owens gave them a needed spark on this drive but the Panthers failed to convert and brought the punt team out. Oneida suffered a penalty on the play and were forced to start on their 21 yard line. An Oneida pass found its mark and in only seconds they were down to the Panthers seven yard line; however, a fumble gave the ball back to the Panthers on the 20 yard line with 4:50 left in the third quarter.
The Panthers next drive left them having to go for the first on another fourth down. After a timeout, Cumberland Gap had dialed up a pass play that was intercepted. After a mark off for a personal foul on Oneida the Indians started on their own 47. The Indians drive was ineffective bringing up a fourth and five until the Indians pass play let the drive continue. The third quarter ended with the home team leading 20-6.
Starting the final quarter, the Indians had a TD called back for a block in the back. The ball was moved back to the 18 yard line but Oneida finished the drive with another TD. The point after was true and the score increased to 27-6 with 10:41 remaining.
Cumberland Gap didn’t quit and were driving using the running game. Unfortunately for Panther fans, Oneida’s defense made a stand and the ball was turned over on downs to the Indian’s offense. With a short field, Oneida quickly got down to the Panthers 10 yard line and scored with 27 seconds left. The point after failed and the score was 33-6.
The game and a great season ended for the Panthers with a final score of 33-6.
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