The Panthers overcame giving up 500 yards in total offense to the Alabama A&M Bulldogs to hold on for a thrilling home opener victory Saturday at Blackshear Stadium.
Both teams were coming off previous week three losses, and looked to get back in the win column. Each team came out exchanging punts, and an attempt from quarterback Jerry Lovelocke going for it on fourth down but failing to convert.
The Bulldogs struck first with a 15-yard touchdown run from Barrignt Scott, but the extra point attempt was not successful, giving the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead with 2:48 left in the first quarter.
The Panthers offense seemed to never get on the same page. Head Coach Heishma Northern said there was no excuse for the slow start. “Our slow start affected us the whole first half, we weren’t on the same page and it was unacceptable.”
After an unsuccessful possession the Bulldogs ripped off a 67-yard touchdown run from Brand Eldemire, giving them a 12-0 lead after another failed extra point.
It did not get any better for the Panthers in the second quarter. When the team finally started to click, running back Courtney Brown fumbled and recovered, which set up a long third down, which Lovelocke failed to convert. Lawren Barnett of the Bulldogs intercepted Lovelocke to close out the first half with the Bulldogs leading 12-0.
The Panthers came out on fire to score 21 straight points. Backup quarterback De’Auntre Smiley scored from one yard out on the opening possession of the half.
When asked what sparked the turnaround during the second half, Smiley said coach didn’t fuss. “Coach [Northern] made a speech…some of the second team had to step up and make good plays.” The defense forced a three and out and the Panthers wasted no time scoring again.
Smiley avoided two tackles and took off rushing for 37 yards and his second touchdown of the day; kicker Chris Barrick made the extra point making the score 14-12.
“The offensive line opened up a big hole for me and I was able to make a cut and it was off to the races from there,” said Smiley on his touchdown.
The defense tightened up and was able to get off the field quickly. Running back Johnta’ Hebert found a hole and took advantage with a 30 yard run putting the Panthers in scoring position.
Lovelocke connected with Brown, who followed up his career high week last week with 116 rushing yards, for a 26-yard touchdown pass giving the Panthers a 21-12 lead.
The Panther fans who traveled to Baton Rouge last week were hoping that they didn’t see a collapse this game. The fourth quarter kept the fans on the edge of their seats as the Panthers and Bulldogs traded scores.
Bulldogs quarterback Jaymason Bee linked up with Jonatha Dorsey for a 13-yard touchdown, making the score 21-19 following the first successful extra point attempt from kicker Jordan Puente.
Wide Receiver Gabe Dunlap received a five yard touchdown pass from Lovelocke, to give the Panthers a little bit of breathing room making the score 28-19 with 9:49 left in the game.
The Bulldogs were not going down without a fight, answering the Panthers’ score with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Demario Ross bringing them within two points 28-26.
On a crucial third and ten, Lovelocke pass to Greg Thurmond fell incomplete, forcing them to give the ball right back to the Bulldogs in hopes that the defense can make a stop. Safety David Metcalf of the Panthers came up with a huge interception with 3:03 left. The Panthers stalled, giving the Bulldogs one last chance to win the game. Punter Travis Jatzlau pinned the Bulldogs on their own 11-yard line giving them a whole field to work with in 00:56 seconds.
Defensive Tackle Michael Daniels sacked Lee pushing the Bulldogs back to their six-yard line. On the final play of the game cornerback Desmond Gardiner intercepted the ball and ran out the clock, giving the Panthers a 28-26 victory.
Northern said he never lost hope in his team. “They did a good job fighting and not losing focus and at the end of the day we made one more play than them [Bulldogs].”
The Panthers are set to travel to Nacogdoches, TX to take on Stephan F. Austin on Saturday Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.