By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
OHATCHEE, Ala. — The Collinsville Panthers defeated the Ohatchee Indians 21-14 in the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 2A State playoffs on Friday night.
Ohatchee put the first points on the board with 3:53 remaining in the second quarter, scoring on a 32-yard pass connection. The kick was good, making the score 7-0. With :10 remaining in the opening half, Kaleb Jones made a 12-yard pass connection to Michael Tucker. The kick by Jason Perez tied the game 7-7, going into intermission.
The Panthers scored on a 1-yard dash into the endzone by Kaleb Jones with :20 remaining in the third quarter. The kick by Perez gave the Panthers the 14-7 advantage.
The Indians tied the game with 7:15 remaining in the third, on a 1-yard scamper into the endzone. The kick was good to make the score 14-14. After Ohatchee had tied the game, Collinsville went 62 yards in six plays. On the winning drive, Jones ran four straight times for 53 yards before hitting Dalton Hughes for the 6-yard touchdown pass wIth 4:52 remaining in the game. The kick by Perez made the final score 21-14. Ohatchee kept the ball for 14 plays trying to tie the game but the Collinsville defense held strong. Ohatchee had a first down at the 11 yard line in the last minute of play. The Panthers made a goal line stand and shut down the Indians. With :09 remaining in the game, the Panthers took back possession. Jones took a knee to finish the game.
Kaleb Jones remembered the heartbreak of losing in the second round of the playoffs last year and was determined not to feel that way again. “I remembered how hard that was. How my friends were crying. I didn’t want to feel that way again. None of us did. We had the winning drive this time.”
“#2 in the State against #3 in the State. It was a great game and they are a great team” said Collinsville Head Coach Ernie Willingham. “We played hard all night. Their offense is a clock eater. I thought after the first coupe possessions, we played really well. I am so proud of this team. I am so proud, that I don't know what to say.”
Ohatchee had a total of 268 yards for the night while Collinsville had 263.
Kaleb Jones had 26 rushes for 149 yards and a touchdown. He went 9-for-12 passing for a total of 104 yards and two touchdowns.
The Collinsville Panthers (11-1) will advance and will host a familiar foe, the North Sand Mountain Bisons (9-3) on Friday night in quarter final play.
