By Allen Hamrick
The Clay County Panther Intermediate Football B, C and flag teams played at home this week against the Elk River Huskies. It was sunny and hot, and the yellow jackets were thick around the base of the bleachers waiting on their turn for a tackle. Around the bleachers stood canopies providing shade for those in attendance, and traditional ballpark foods and water were available in the mess hall for a fee, of course. This was the day when nerve met possibility and grit met fight or flight because the Panthers were going up against unbeatable odds. The boys put their game faces on and took the field with their hearts pounding with determination.
I wasn’t there when the flag teams butted heads, but as I understand it, the Panther flag team held their own. Panther B team was up next, and when lined up against the Huskies, it looked like it was going to be a long day. This game would prove to be a tough battle for the Panthers as they seemed to let the size and sheer number of Huskies players to get to them. The Huskies scored first and never looked back, racking up the first six points on the board. The Panthers plowed hard and butted heads, but getting yards was like pushing a chain. The defense had a tough time stopping the Huskies push but at times stopped them in their tracks. The Huskies hail from AAA territory and for the B team to make plays against them was a monumental effort – and they did. In the end, the final score, Panthers 0 to the Huskies 30, does not reflect the heart that the B team had against a nearly unbeatable opponent; my hat is off to them.
The Clay A team was up next and found another pit hard to get out of. The Panther A team was short a permanent quarterback but did what they could against a group that looked more like they were a high school team. Gaining yards was tough for the Panther A, team but they went out and faced the giants all the same. Helmets were shaken, face shields were cracked and the sweat rolled as the Panther A team got down to the business of letting the Huskies know they were not going to come here and walk away unharmed. I assure you the Panther A team let them know without any doubt that they were in a fight. In the end, the score was the same result –
Panthers 0, Huskies 30.
The take away from a match up like this makes you wonder that whoever sets up the team regions must have been have smelling too much candle wax. However, the Panther teams had their moments and highlights that should prove that they can compete against an opponent no matter how big and strong they might appear. Saturday was two games of no rope a dopes, no singing the blues, just football and getting out there and giving 100 percent. That’s what they did, and that’s all we, as fans, can ask. They will have another game at home this weekend against Gilmer; it should be a good one so bring your lungs and do some cheering.
