jr. pro majors rock Fairview

Contributed by Ron Slay

The Lewis County Junior Pro Panthers traveled to Fairview on a beautiful autumn day to take on the Fairview Titans. Hampered by player absences caused by fall break vacations, they dropped two out of three games. It marked the end of the season for a program in the process of rebuilding that shows great potential.

MAJORS

Football team captains: Jacob Mathes, Corey Simanson and Elijah Davis.

Cheer Captains: Brynn Nance and Aidah O'neill

In what can arguably be considered one of the most exciting games of the season, Elijah Davis powered the Panthers to victory with an impressive rushing attack behind the outstanding blocking of his linemen; Donavin James, T.J. Vaughan, Robert Cortez, Corey Simanson, Mayben Clower, Jacob Mathes and Ayden Stanger. The Panthers defeated the Titans by the score of 14-8 to bring their season record to 2-5.

With the Titans leading 8-0 and just 6 seconds remaining before the half, Davis hauled in a 27-yard TD pass from Remington Potts to bring the Panthers to within 2. On the next play, Davis barreled into the end zone to complete the 2-point conversion and knot the game at 8. Both defenses dominated the 2nd half of play late into the 4th quarter. The Panthers were unable to advance the ball into the Titan redzone with time running out in the 4th quarter and the game appeared destined for overtime. With just 18 seconds left on the clock, Davis, visibly battered and bruised by pounding the rock into the Titan defense all game, was able to rise to the occasion yet again. Davis took a direct snap from center and rumbled his way into the endzone, breaking more tackles than I could count putting his team ahead 14-8 with just 8 seconds left on the clock. The 2-point conversion failed and that proved to be the final score of the contest. Davis ended the day with 92 rushing yards, 27 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns and a 2-point conversion. Brayden Downs rounded out the Panther rushing attack with 33 yards on only 4 carries.

The Panther defense smothered the Titans' offense, allowing just one touchdown. Corey Simanson spearheaded the defensive effort with 7 tackles, accompanied by Donavin James' 5 tackles and Remington Potts' 4 tackles and one sack. Mayben Clower added 3 tackles and a sack, and Elijah Davis contributed 2 tackles. Brayden Downs and Jacob Mathes each recorded a tackle to cap off the Panthers' defensive showing.

At the conclusion of the game, I asked head coach Jax Simanson for his reaction to the Panthers' victory. Simanson responded "I had no doubt in the abilities of these boys, they showed true heart and determination. I am so proud of them, each and every one of them."

MINORS

Football team captains: Ayden James, Joshua Golden, Jaxon Brothers, RocQuel Davis

Cheer Captain: Leightyn Gifford

The Minors were defeated 46-0 by the Titans, bringing their season record to 1-6. The Titans' defense stifled the Panthers' offense, holding them to 51 total yards. Bentley Hensley led the offense with 41 rushing yards on 5 carries, while Landyn Stanger added 10 yards rushing.

Jax Kvapil led the defensive effort with 6 tackles and a fumble recovery, followed by T.J. Vaughan with 6 tackles. Camdyn Carroll had 3 tackles and a fumble recovery, and Ayden James, Ryatt Collins, and Bentley Hensley each contributed a tackle.

On special teams, Landyn Stanger returned 3 kickoffs for 42 yards.

PEE-WEES

Football team captains: Silas Kvapil, Sam Launius, Easton Reeves and Kingsley Beard

Cheer Captains: Laynlee Hamm and Phenix Burlison

The Pee-Wee team struggled to generate consistent offensive momentum and were overwhelmed by a formidable Titans defense, resulting in a 40-0 defeat that dropped their season record to 2-5.

Dawsynn Collins powered the Panthers' offense with 43 yards on 4 carries, followed by Steele Carroll with 14 yards, Buster Launius with 13 yards, and Sam Launius and Weston Flowers also added positive yardage to the rushing attack.

On defense Kingsley Beard led the Panthers with 6 tackles, Buster Launius had 4 tackles, one for a loss, Tatum Perez had 4 tackles, Sam Launius, Dawsynn Collins and Weston Flowers each had 3 tackles, Logan Morris had 2 tackles, one for a loss, Tobias Kvapil had 2 tackles, and a sack and Steele Carroll added a tackle.

NOTES

Mark your calendars! On October 26th, the Annual Tri-County Cheer Competition will be held at Dickson County High School, beginning at 8am. We invite you to come and show your spirit by wearing your Lewis County colors. Cheerleading is more than just jumping and shouting, it's a sport that requires athleticism, teamwork, and dedication. Let's come together and support our cheer athletes as they showcase their skills and spirit.