The Panthers clinched another 7-A Central Win over Fort Smith Northside on Friday, October 26, keeping their postseason hopes alive.

The Grizzlies started off the first possession with a two yard touchdown run by senior Quarterback Derrick Wise.

Senior Quarterback Jessie Windemaker was able to capitalize right back on the Panther’s first offense possession with a seven yard touchdown, tying the game 7-7.

With a solid redzone stop by the Panther’s defense, the Grizzlies were only managed to get three points on the board on their second possession gaining the lead back 10-7.

The Grizzlies recovered the Panther’s fumble on their second possession, but the offense would return right back after senior Zhane Harper’s first interception of the game. Harper finished the game with two interceptions including a 43 yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Panther’s took advantage on the great field positions that the defense put them in from all the turnovers of the game. The Panthers forced four turnovers by the Grizzlies, all four of them were interceptions. The Panthers scored 28 of their points off of turnovers.

Harper’s first interception helped the Panthers run down the field. Senior Wyatt McMahan was able to run for his first one yard touchdown in the first half.

Junior De’Kairo Rudolph captured his second interception of the season and returned it for 39 yards to the one yard line of Northside. McMahan pushed another one yard score right before halftime.

“I give all my credit to my offense line if they wouldn’t have had the blocks then I wouldn’t have been able to do my job,” McMahan said. “They went out there and executed their job so I could do mine.”

Senior TJ Rogers finished the night with 59 yards off of nine rushes, including a 12 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. These seniors could have potentially played their last game in Panther Stadium in their high school careers and all the player showed mixed emotion about the event.

“It was kind of sad, but a memorable moment,” Rogers said. “Something I will never forget.”

The Panthers will finish off their regular season traveling against the undefeated North Little Rock Charging Wildcats. A win this week against North Little Rock will automatically give the Panthers a spot in the 7-A Playoffs.

Even with a loss this week, the Panthers have a chance in making the playoffs with Catholic losing to Central, or Northside losing to Southside.