Quitman hosts 3A powerhouse Collins

By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
Sept. 6, 2002
The Quitman Panthers will have their hands full tonight when defending Class 3A Collins comes to town.
The two teams will square off with a kickoff time of 7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium. Collins won last season's game between the two teams in a hard-fought 20-12 contest.
Collins comes into the game 1-0 after whipping 4A Lawrence County 48-13 last week. The Tigers have 13 starter returning from last season's championship team and look to be good enough to defend their Class 3A crown this season.
The Panthers also come into the game with a 1-0 record after taking a 25-14 win over Neshoba Central last week. Quitman trailed early in the game but was able to come back for the victory.
Jonathan Russell hit Rodrick Laphand on touchdown passes of 17 and 60 yards to put the Panthers on the board after giving up a first quarter touchdown to the Rockets. Russell also hit a 33-yard field goal as well as a field goal of 43 yards in the victory.
The Panthers sealed the win with a defensive touchdown. Darres Blanks picked up a fumble and carried it 35 yards for the final touchdown of the game.
Coach Holloman was pleased with the victory and hopes the team can correct its mistakes before the game tonight.