By Bart Moss

For the FCT

The Tharptown Wildcats were unable to overcome a strong start by the Hackleburg Panthers Thursday night in a 48-22 loss.

The Wildcats came into the game with a chance to earn their first playoff bid in school history. They left the game with their minds on teammate Trent Miller. Miller, a sophomore transfer from Russellville, sustained a severe concussion late in the third quarter when he was blindsided by a Panther defender.  Miller was airlifted from the field and flown to Huntsville Hospital as a precautionary measure.

John Donner scored first for the Wildcats on a 10-yard run to pay dirt. In the fourth quarter Alan Bohannon sprinted 46 yards for another Tharptown touchdown. Mike Rice added the Wildcats final points on a 12-yarder in the waning minutes of the game.

The game was played at Bear Creek due to school construction at Hackleburg.

The Wildcats will play their final game of the season Friday night when the host the Alabama School for the Deaf.