By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com (Photo by Marla Jones)
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats for all of the fourth quarter, the Collinsville Panthers defeated the Westbrook Christian Warriors, 35-21 on Friday night. This win will advance to Panthers to the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Playoffs.
On the second play from scrimmage, Kaleb Jones connected with Mason McKinney on a 61-yard pass for the touchdown. The extra point by Jason Perez was good and the Panthers took the early 7-0 lead. Blake Spears stripped the ball away from Westbrook and set up the next Panther score. With 10:39 remaining in the first, Mckinney darted into the endzone from 4-yards. The PAT by Perez was good , giving the Panthers the 14-0 advantage.
With 10:04 remaining in the second quarter, McKinney dashed into the endzone from 1-yard out. The kick by Perez was good, giving the Panthers the 21-0 lead. With 6:51 remaining in the first half, Westbrook put points on the board with a 3-yard dart into the endzone. The PAT was good, making the score 21-7. Collinsville answered back with a 7-yard quarterback keeper by Jones. The kick by Perez was good and the Panthers went into the half with a 28-7 advantage over the Warriors.
Westbrook scored with 2:48 remaining in the third with a 21-yard pass connection. The PAT was good, making the score 28-14.
The fourth quarter was back and forth with both teams refusing to back down. Westbrook narrowed the Panther lead with a 61-yard pass connection for the score. The kick brought the game within 7. Miles Underwood stopped the Warrior momentum with a quarterback sack late in the fourth. McKinney charged into the endzone from 8 yards out. The kick by Perez was good, making the final score 35-21.
Mason McKinney finished the night rushing 84 yards on twelve carries. Kaleb Jones rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries.
The Collinsville Panthers (10-1) will travel on Friday night to face the Aliceville Yellow Jackets (9-2) in the second round of AHSAA State Playoffs.
