Congratulations to the Clay Panthers Football C-Team! They finished the regular season in second place with a 5-1 record, and as LKC Runners-up in the Super Bowl. The LKC consists of twelve teams; Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Frontier, Gilmer, Ritchie, Roane, St. Mary’s, Tyler, Williamstown and Wirt. In the first round of the play-offs, the Panthers traveled to Tyler Consolidated High School to defeat the St. Mary’s Red Devils 40-6. In the semi-finals, they traveled to St. Mary’s High School to defeat the Frontier Cougars 46-25.
Finally, this past Sunday, they traveled to Glenville College to take on the Roane County Raiders in the championship game. Roane County was Clay’s only regular season loss. The championship was a nail-biter. The game was tied 0-0 at the end of three quarters. Early in the fourth quarter, after a long drive, quarterback Noah Collins broke a 12 yard run to score Clay’s only touchdown. Unfortunately, the team was unable to convert on the extra point attempt. The Panthers held the Raiders 6-0 until the last 47 seconds of the game. After a questionable 15 yard penalty against the Panthers for a late hit, the Raiders had a 1st down on Clay’s 15 yard line with 47 seconds to go. Regrettably, the Panthers were unable to stop them; the Raiders scored a touchdown and were successful on the extra point attempt.
Despite the heartbreaking 7-6 loss, the C-Team put forth a tremendous effort and for that the coaches, parents, fans and community are very, very proud. The coaches want to sincerely thank all of those who contributed to the team’s tailgate party, those who made signs, and especially those who came to support the team all season long. It is very much appreciated and contributed greatly to the team’s successful season. Team members are Samuel Cleavenger, Leiland Wesh, Noah Collins, Jackson Cliver, Brody Scarbro, Jakoby Nichols, Sawyer Dobbins, Lukas Vance, Evan Bass, Riley Taylor, Landon Delwarte, Ayden Brown, Jonathan Gandee, Braydin Layne, Trenton Gibson, James Grose, Eli Dorsey, Brogan Rapp, Luke Scarbro, Landon Elliott, Dalton Griffin, Jaxson Wolfe, Mason Wray and Malachi Nichols. The coaches are Phil Dobbins, Jimmy Brogan, Adam Brown, Heath Cliver, Brian Collins, R.D. Dennis, Scott Gibson, Frank Lane and Jimmy Rapp.
