Panthers make stop, win thriller

CONCORD >> For Clayton Valley Charter, a victory over Antioch on Friday night might have meant smooth sailing into the Open Division of the North Coast Section playoffs and a first-round match up with someone other than De La Salle.

Antioch had just as much at stake. In addition, the Panthers also had the bitter memory of a humiliating loss to Clayton Valley last season.

Using that defeat as motivation, Antioch charged to a 27-6 halftime lead, then stopped Clayton Valley’s two-point conversion attempt with 4:03 left to play for a 35-34 victory in a game that was about as exciting as you’ll see on any level — high school, college or pro.

Momentum swung back-andforth all night on the black turf at Clayton Valley. After the Bay Area News Group’s eighth-ranked Panthers (4-0) built their 21-point halftime lead, No. 2 Clayton Valley (3-1) scored the first 22 points of the second half to take a 28-27 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter when Carson Sumter ran over from the 3.

But early in the fourth quarter, Antioch drove 89 yards in 12 plays to go back in front on an 8-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Willem Karnthong, who was brilliant all night. The Panthers then made the two-point conversion for a 35-28 lead.

Back came the Ugly Eagles. They went on their own 12-play drive covering 80 yards, scoring on a 7-yard run by Sumter with 4:03 to play.

But rather than kick the extra point, Clayton Valley elected to try for two. The run failed. The Uglies got the ball back one more time deep in their territory, but the Antioch defense allowed only a yard on that possession.

“For these seniors,” Antioch coach John Lucido said, “this game was personal. They’ve been reminded every moment what happened last year. This game was definitely marked on the calendar.”

Exactly 51 weeks ago, Antioch lost at home to Clayton Valley 5522.