Returning to action after a bye week, Daviess County was unable to capitalize on its second-half opportunities, falling to Meade County 21-20.
“Obviously, any loss is a disappointing loss, but a one-point loss is even more disheartening,” Daviess County Head Coach Quadarius Wallace said. “We just had too many mistakes, and they capitalized on our mistakes.”
The Panthers took an early 14-0 lead after Garrison Barker found Jace Hunt, who streaked down the right sideline for a 57-yard touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion and recovering the ensuing kickoff, Ridge Roberts ran it in from three yards out.
Mead County cut the lead to 14-7 on their next possession after Wyatt Raney was able to get to the outside and break free for a 50-yard score.
Early in the second quarter, the Panthers found themselves in good field position after recovering a fumble, but a pair of penalties derailed the promising drive. The Green Wave scored on their next two possessions to take a 21-14 lead into halftime.
After a stagnant second quarter, the Panthers came out of halftime rejuvenated, holding Meade County to a quick three-and-out. A short punt set up the Panthers at Meade’s 37, and a few plays later, Roberts cut the lead to 21-20 after bursting through the middle for a 10-yard score. Less than four minutes later, Daviess County was on the verge of retaking the lead.
Facing second and goal on the one, the Panthers walked away empty after a penalty and a missed field goal.
In the fourth quarter, the Panthers found themselves facing fourth and three with less than four minutes remaining on their own 42, but Barker was picked off. Meade County stuck to its ground game to run out the clock and earn its first win of the season.
“They played out of their minds,” Wallace said. “I think they played their butts off, and I think that is the best they have played all year. That is the most points they have scored all year, so kudos to them.”
Roberts led the Panthers’ ground game, rushing for 84 yards, while Jace Hunt hauled in nine receptions for 113 yards. Sitting at 4-4, next Friday the Panthers will travel to South Warren.
