By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
COLLINSVILLE, Ala. — The Collinsville Panthers defeated the Colbert County Indians, 63-18 in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 2A State Playoffs on Friday night.
The Collinsville Panthers got off to a fast start, when Miles Underwood intercepted Colbert County on the third play from scrimmage. After a 15-yard drive, Collinsville scored on a 9-yard run by Michael Tucker with 9:47 remaining in the first. The kick by Jason Perez, gave the Panthers the early 7-0 advantage. With 5:35 remaining in the first,Tucker crossed into the endzone, once again, on a 23-yard touchdown run. The kick by Perez, made the score 14-0. Kaleb Jones added the third touchdown of the night for Collinsville, galloping into the endzone from 51-yards out as the first quarter ended. The kick by Perez gave the Panthers the early 21-0 advantage over the Indians.
Colbert County put their first points on the board with a 36-pass connection for the score. The Panthers blocked the kick to make the score 21-6 with 10:11 remaining in the first half. Collinsville answered back with a 15-yard touchdown run by Jones. The kick by Perez, put the Panthers up 28-6. To finish out the first half scoring frenzy by Collinsville, Tucker scampered into the endzone from 2-yards out. The extra point attempt by Perez gave the Collinsville Panthers the 35-6 advantage going into the half.
Jones connected with Tucker on a 61-yard pass completion for the score, to start the third quarter. The kick by Perez gave the Panthers the 42-6 lead. Colbert County scored on a 28-yard pass completion with 8:08 remaining in the third. The Panthers blocked the kick to make the score, 42-12. Jones scurried in from 3-yards out, with 5:07 remaining in the third. The kick was good by Perez to give the Panthers the 49-12. With 3:05 remaining in the third quarter, Tucker dashed in from 1-yard out to broaden the Panther lead to 55-12.
Collinsville scored their final touchdown, of the night, with 3:22 remaining in the game, on a 2-yard dash into the endzone by Marshall Hughes. The kick by Gallegos made the score 63-12. Colbert County scored on a 15-yard run with :53 remaining in the game. The Panthers blocked the kick to make the final, 63-18.
Michael Tucker had 10 carries for 103 yards and four touchdowns for the Panthers He had two receptions for 63 yards and another touchdown plus one interception.
Kaleb Jones had 9 carries for 190 yards and three touchdowns. He went 4-for-5 for 94 yards and a touchdown. He had two kickoff returns for 33 total yards.
Collinsville scored eight touchdowns on their first nine possessions. The Panthers defense forced four turnovers, three interceptions and a fumble for the night.
“We got off to a fast start and I thought that was huge. We were able to get turnovers and turn the turnovers into points” said Collinsville Head Football Coach Ernie Willingham. To his team, he had these words, “ You did such a great job. I am so proud of yall. I’ve got some news for you- we have practice Monday, and 3⁄4 of all the football teams in Alabama have had their season ended.”
The Collinsville Panthers (11-1, 6-1) will travel to take on the OhatcheeIndians (11-0, 6-0) for round two of the AHSAA Class 2A State Playoffs.
