Small setbacks added up for Yazoo County Friday as the Panthers fell 16-14 to Humphreys County in a game that likely decided the district title.
Yazoo County’s defense delivered another solid performance with Dakwon Reasor leading the way with 12 tackles and forced fumble and Mardarius Allen recovering two fumbles.
The offense also put up some impressive numbers.
Quarterback James Patterson completed 12-of-20 passes for 200 yards with a touchdown pass to KeSean Outlaw.
Chandler Hardman had 13 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown and five receptions for 80 yards.
But in the end, the Panthers were doomed by miscues.
The Panthers started out in a wildcat style offense directly snapping to the running back, but a fumble allowed Humphreys County to take over at midfield and set up a scoring drive. The Cowboys took an 8-0 lead with 4:44 to go in the first quarter.
Allen’s fumble recovery set up a Hardman touchdown, and Yazoo County trailed 8-6 with 11:38 to go in the second quarter after the extra point kick attempt failed.
The Panthers were in striking distance in the final minute of the first half, when time expired. Yazoo County believed that the receiver had gone out of bounds and the clock had stopped, but the officials ruled that he was stopped in bounds. Patterson attempted to spike the ball with seconds left on the clock, but the officials ruled that it was too late, and Humphreys held on to the 8-6 lead at halftime.
Humphreys got a big return on the opening kickoff, and kicker Cooper Trammell made the tackle to prevent what may have been a score.
The Panthers defense almost had a goal line stand at the end of the drive, but the Cowboys scored on fourth and two. The two point conversion attempt failed, and Yazoo County led 14-6 with 6:58 to go in the third.
Patterson completed a 25-yard first down pass to Gabe Shaffer, and Hardman followed up with a big first down run, before Patterson went deep to Outlaw for the touchdown.
The Panthers were unable to get the two point conversion to tie the game, and Humphreys held on to a 14-12 lead with just six minutes to go.
Yazoo County had one last chance, taking over on their own five yard line with 2:33 to play. Patterson completed three first down passes, but the Cowboys defense held strong on fourth down and Humphreys took over with 33 seconds left to secure the win.
Landon Lucas and Devon Fountain finished the game with six tackles each. Cornelius Coleman and Zyon Blunt each had five tackles, Jefferson and Charlie Morton each had four, and Tradagen Nutall and Hardman had three apiece.
Outlaw finished the game with five catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Camden Nichols had one catch for 28 yards.
This week the Panthers will travel to Ruleville to face Thomas Edwards in a district game. Once again, the stakes will be high as this game will likely be a contest for the number two spot in the district.
Like Yazoo County, Thomas Edwards’ only district loss is to Humphreys County, which was a 24-16 loss two weeks ago. Last week Thomas Edwards defeated Leland 24-16.
Kickoff has been moved up for 5 p.m. for this week’s game.
