The Miami Trace Panthers had high hopes heading into Friday’s game against Clinton-Massie.
Hopefully, this would be the year that the Panthers would break an 11-game losing streak to the Falcons.
The Panthers scored first in the game, however, turnovers were costly and the Falcons’ defense was solid as Massie posted a 24-14 victory.
It is the 53rd consecutive SCOL win for the Falcons, opening the final football season of the SCOL.
Miami Trace had four turnovers in the game.
“We kind of got it taken to us,” Miami Trace head coach Steve Bartlett said. “We made a lot of mistakes after we scored. The coaches, everybody.
“We shot ourselves in the foot a number of times,” Bartlett said. “Our kids played hard.”
This tough loss will be taken as a team, Bartlett noted.
“Me, the other coaches, the kids, we just didn’t get it done,” Bartlett said. “Hopefully, we won’t have this feeling again this year.”
For Miami Trace, Drake Litteral scored on a 30-yard run with 4:18 to play in the first quarter.
Blake Pittser’s kick made it 7-0, Panthers.
After a 30-minute lightning delay, the Falcons scored twice in the second quarter to lead 14-7 at the half.
The third quarter began on a tough note as the Falcons intercepted Miami Trace on the first play from scrimmage.
Christian Poynter scored for Massie on a 19-yard run.
The kick by Christopher Demler made it 21-7, in favor of the Falcons with 10:35 to play in the third quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, Miami Trace was unable to field the ball. Massie raced down and recovered at the Miami Trace 23-yard line.
The Falcons soon scored, but that was called back on a penalty.
Clinton-Massie did not score on this possession.
Later in the third quarter, the Falcons had another interception at the 7:09 mark.
Still later in the third quarter, Luke Richardson had an interception for the Falcons at the 1:20 mark.
Still, the Panthers’ defense held its ground and kept Massie from scoring.
Meanwhile, the Falcons’ defense was containing for the Panthers for the most part.
Demler connected on a 28-yard field goal for the Falcons with 6:50 to play in the game, making it 24-7.
On the Panthers’ next possession,
Tiante Connell had a nice, long run for Miami Trace, down to the Massie 31-yard line.
Moments later, the Panthers scored on a two-yard run by Litteral.
Pittser’s kick made it 24-14.
The score came with 1:41 to play in the game.
“We’ll be back,” Bartlett said. “These are great kids. They’ll be ready to go for Chillicothe next week.”
Miami Trace plays next Friday at Chillicothe.
Chillicothe defeated East Clinton Friday, 38-7.
