Panthers continue roll in region

By Staff
SOSO Marcus McCormick returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown and intercepted a pass in the end zone as the Quitman Panthers came back to defeat the West Jones Mustangs 13-3 in a Region 5-4A contest.
The West Jones defense played well for the entire game limiting the Panthers to only 79 yards of total offense.
In the first half, the Mustangs defense came up with two turnovers. Chester Keyes' fumble recovery at the Quitman 34-yard line just 1:14 into the game set up the lone score.
West Jones drove 19 yards in six plays before stalling at the Quitman 15. Britt Barefoot then came in to drill a 32-yard field goal with 6:50
remaining in the opening period.
The Panthers then played the role of courteous visitors. A snap over the head of quarterback Prentiss Davis traveled 23 yards behind the line of scrimmage before being recovered by Chase Jefcoat at the Quitman 22.
After losing six yards on two plays, the Mustangs turned the ball back to Quitman. Terry McCullum's pass was intercepted by McCormick in the end zone with 2:56 left in the first quarter.
The second quarter was scoreless as West Jones had possession of the ball for eight minutes covering 30 yards in the process.
In the second half, the Mustangs defense continued to shine. McCullum intercepted a Davis pass at the West Jones 27 with 8:26 to go in the third stanza. However, the Mustangs were forced to punt from midfield.
McCormick fielded Barefoot's punt at the Panthers 10-yard line and went the distance down the left sideline for the touchdown. Jay Blackledge's extra point gave Quitman the 7-3 lead with 2:25 left.
After bobbling and then returning the ensuing kickoff to their own 5, West Jones had a turnover on the second play of their series. McCullum's fumble was recovered by Jermal Thigpen at the Mustangs 15-yard line.
Four plays later, Quitman scored on the final quarter's first play. Evan Pickens dove over the top from 4 yards out. The kick was blocked.
West Jones had two opportunities to cut the deficit. However, a Barefoot 30-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful on their first drive.
On their next possession, the Mustangs turned the ball over on downs at the Quitman 42.
McCullum completed four of seven passes with one interception for 65 yards. Marcus Crosby was the leading receiver with two catches for 56 yards.
Pickens led Panthers ballcarriers with 16 rushes for 58 yards and a
touchdown. Quitman did not complete a pass. The Panthers improve to 4-2 overall and lead Region 5-4A with a 2-0 mark.
Quitman continues regional play at home against Florence Friday night. The Mustangs fall to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in Region 5-4A. West Jones plays at regional foe Magee on Friday night.