Panthers fight back to beat Braves
Amir Jackson and Jaydan Taylor each surpassed 100 yards rushing and both scored two touchdowns as Dr. Phillips held on for a 48-41 season-opening football win against Boone on Thursday.
The Panthers, No. 6 in the preseason Sentinel Super 16, set up two scores with interceptions to fight off the No. 15 Braves. Zion Trimboli and Justin Stith delivered those picks to help turn the tide.
It was Dr. Phillips’ eighth consecutive win against the Braves, but the second year in a row the outcome was in doubt to the end.
Both coaches were happy to have had their teams pass the first round of Orange County ’s COVID-19 tests without losing a player.
“Boone is a high-class organization,” Dr. Phillips coach Rodney Wells said after the game. “They always play us tough. I feel good that all the boys tested negative. It’s on to Apopka next week.”
Boone coach Andy Johnson said his team appreciated the opportunity to play.
“What this whole crazy process has taught us is that you can’t take anything for granted,” he said. “Be very appreciative of every opportunity you get to play. I hope that’s one thing the kids take out of this.”
Amir Johnson and Taylor made their first strides in continuing Dr. Phillips’ long history of strong running backs. Johnson ran for123 yards on 15 carries. Both had strong third quarters.
Taylor ran for 122 yards on 10 carries. Jojo Patti completed 10 of 21 passes for 164 yards in the win.
Joanes Fortilien caught three passes for 65 yards for the Panthers.
Dr. Phillips offensive lineman Devin Hill actually scored the winning TD with a heads-up fumble recovery in the end zone after a long pass reception by Fortilien. That gave the Panthers a 48-27 lead.
Boone’s defense and special teams irritated Dr. Phillips early. Diego Rivera blocked a punt, and Shambre Jackson returned it 43 yards to put the Braves up 6-0.
The Braves offense also burned the Panthers for first-half big plays. Casey St. John, who completed 14 of 25 passes for 170 yards, found brother Parker St. John on a slant route for an 80-yard touchdown.
Jackevis Lovett’s 70-yard TD run put the Braves up 20-13 early in the second quarter. Lovett finished with 101 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Jalen Thompson evened the score at 20-20 by returning the ensuing kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown, and Taylor’s 1-yard run gave the Panthers their first lead at 27-20.
Darien Wharton ran for two Boone touchdowns in the fourth quarter. He then followed an onside kick recovery with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Lucas Johnson to pull the Braves within 48-41 with 28.3 seconds to go in the game.