The Panthers' disruptive defense played a crucial role in helping the LaGrange College Football Team improve to 3-3 (3-1 USA South) with a 26-21 road victory over the Brevard College Tornados (Oct. 19). This is the first time since 2019 that LC has achieved three wins in a single season, and the first time since 2017 the Panthers recorded three conference victories.
First half
Offense
Following a quick Tonados score, the Panthers' offense took the field for the first time today at the 14:31 minute mark. The first sparks of LC offensive success came on a 15-yard pass to senior wideout
Jasharie Anderson during the second drive. The Panthers were able to string together a handful of solid plays on this possession, moving the ball into the Tornados' territory but stalling out at the BC 40. The following Panthers drive was set up at midfield thanks to a Brevard safety caused by a blocked punt. The LC offense took advantage of this opportunity, driving into the hosts' redzone by using a mix of
Goldman Butler VI rushes and passes to
Mychal Stillwell. Over the past three weeks, the freshman tight end has demonstrated his ability to be a key factor for the Panthers by consistently making contested catches. This LC drive ended with a 35-yard field goal by
Landon Eaker to cut the hosts' lead to 7-5 with 14:55 remaining the second quarter. LC held a 13-7 advantage at the break thanks to a Panthers scoop and score.
Through the first half,
Henry Brodnax completed 9-of-15 passes (60%) for 79 yards and an interception,
Mychal Stillwell grabbed a team-high three catches for 35 receiving yards and
Goldman Butler VI rushed for 46 yards on 15 carries.
Defense
The Panthers' defense surrendered a 78-yard touchdown run on the game's opening play due to a missed tackle and a poor pursuit angle. Following this blown play, LC settled in, quickly stopping the Brevard offense on the next two possessions. The first Panthers points of the day came off of a blocked punt that resulted in a safety just ten minutes into the first. On the next BC possession, LC took a 13-7 lead after a forced fumble by freshman linebacker
Ched Smith was scooped and scored by senior safety
Nemo Ceasar. The Panthers continued to cause havoc for the hosts, tipping a Tornadoes screen pass into the hands of sophomore defensive lineman
Jahvon Wells on the following BCÂ possession. After running an effective two-minute drive, the Tornados came up short when sophomore defensive back
Keyon Stoutemire intercepted a pass in the endzone with less than 60 seconds remaining in the half.
At the break, the Panthers tallied four turnovers (one on special teams). Senior safety
Deon King Jr. led LaGrange with five tackles.
Second Half
Offense
Mychal Stillwell opened the second half kick-starting the LC offense with a 14-yard catch with defenders draped over him. This play and others by Stillwell led to the Panthers taking a 19-7 lead after the drive set up a 5-yard rushing touchdown. With six minutes remaining in the third, LC was pinned back inside their own five. The Panthers quickly reverted to the Butler/Stillwell one-two punch combo in order to keep the chains moving. After running six minutes off of the clock, the Panthers stalled out at the BC 30. LC got the ball back with 10 minutes remaining in the game, holding a 19-14 lead. On the next drive,
Ashton Bryant was the go-to target for Brodnax. The junior wideout made back-to-back catches to move the ball onto the BC side of the field. This drive ended after a costly LC flag pushed the Panthers too far back to overcome. Following another Tornados three-and-out, LC regained possession with five minutes left but was able to only run one minute off of the clock. The Panthers went on to finish the game in victory formation, winning 26-21.
Defense
The Panthers continued to dominate the Tornados in the third quarter, keeping the Brevard College crowd and even the radio commentator quiet. BC found their first signs of success this half after a horse-collar tackle turned a 15-yard loss into a 15-gain. This led to a Tornados' touchdown with 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Panthers forced another three-and-out on the following series with five minutes left. On the next possession, the LC extended the lead to 26-14 on a
Dezmond Jones scoop and score with the unit's second touchdown of the day. The Tornados added one more score in the final minute of the game after a pass interference bailed out BC on an incomplete fourth and goal. Despite the Tornados scoring the last minute touchdown, it was too little, too late. The Panthers held on to win 26-21.
Overall
Offense
Henry Brodnax finished the day completing 19-29 passes for 191 yards and an interception. Tight end
Mychal Stillwell caught a team-high six catches for 85 yards.
Goldman Butler VI rushed for 118 yards after pounding the rock 31 times for a solid 3.8 average.
Defense
For the second straight week, the Panthers defense put together an outstanding performance. The unit forced four turnovers and scooped and scored a pair of touchdowns in the domination of the Tornados. The BC offensive players were left with their palms facing the sky, questioning why each time they touched the ball a pack of Panthers were there to sallow them up. The team finished with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks and if you take away the opening 78-yard touchdown, the Tornados were held to just 47 rushing yards.Â
Desmond Fogle and
Deon King Jr. led with a team-high eight tackles each.
Specials
The Panthers punt team shined tonight.
Brandon Matson placed four punts inside the 20, one of which led to a BC safety. The unit also forced a fumble and a blocked punt that resulted in a safety.
Next up
The Panthers return to Callaway Stadium to take on Greensboro College for homecoming next Saturday (Oct. 26). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
