Panthers give away a heartbreaker at home
August 23rd, 2008 Posted in High School Football, North Johnston Football
It’s a perfect late summer evening down in far northern Johnston county. The field lights are on, the cheerleaders are warming up, and there’s just enough breeze blowing to keep the flag unfurled. You wouldn’t think that a die hard football fan could ask for anything more. Oh yeah, there is that little part about winning the game. It was not meant to be for the Panthers of North Johnston tonight.
The Spartans from Union High drove up to NJ knowing that they would have a fight on their hands and by the middle of the second quarter it was no less than a horse race. In the early stages of the game Union quarterback #2 Howard Bynum put on a show of strength an athleticism by repeatedly breaking tackles and bootlegging around the corners to pile up positive yardage. On occasion he hit his favorite receiver #21 Larry George who also doubled as a defensive back and the teams place kicker. Yet, after taking the first quarter off to get their offensive wits about them and turning the ball over on a fumble or two, the Panthers found a will to execute effectively. At the end of the first quarter the score was 7-0 Union.
The opening possession of the second quarter saw Union march down the field on the back of a long run from scrimmage by #47 down to the two yard line. Bynum punches the ball in over the goal line with 9:21 to go in the half and after a field goal by #21 George, the score is 14-0 Union. On NJ’s next possession it’s slippery fingers time again and the ol’ fumble happens right on the two yard line with the Panthers on the verge of scoring. NJ holds Unions attempt to advance the ball pass mid field and re-assumes control on about their on 45. With 29.9 seconds to go in the first half, NoJo quarterback #7 Joe Harned, takes this opportunity to deliver a 55 yard strike to #5 Jacques Alston, who rumbles down to the three yard line. In an effort to throw a little trickery into the game, Coach Tom Nelson decides to line up on the goal line with a full backfield. #40 Wayne Johnson and #2 Jacob Lewis appear to be blocking for #28 EJ Knight. Everyone assumes that Knight is getting the ball but no, a soft pass into the left end zone results in Jacob Lewis pulling in the touchdown. Going in at halftime, the score is 14-7 Union.
The second half of this game resembled a track meet. Unions QB (Bynum) vs NJ’s Running Back (Knight). Frequently it appeared that neither defense could hold the other if someone didn’t miss an assignment or get a badly timed penalty, it was score at will for much of the remainder. The panther’s, riding the back of #28 EJ Knight (198 yards on 27 carries and 2 TD’s) were pleasantly pleased to add another weapon to their stock pile this evening. An as yet unheralded Senior QB has quieted a smattering of doubters to put up excellent numbers on this night as well. #7 Joe Harned, when not having to run for his very life in the face of a collapsing pocket delivered on some beautiful passes. He and #5 Alston hooked up on several instances to rack up points as well as yardage. By the end of the game, Harned bowed out with a 107 yard performance on 7-12 completions and 3 TDs. That’s pretty darn strong for a young man starting his first varsity game.
Nearing the conclusion of the nights battle, with 1:39 left to go in the game, Union scores and fakes the field goal attempt for a two point conversion resulting in the Spartans going back on top 36-29 and the clock running down fast. On the ensuing kicking off, #36 Glenwood Watson takes the ball up to the NJ 35. On the very next play from scrimmage, with 1:19 to go in the game, #7 Harned and #5 Alston hook up again for a 50 yard gain down to the Union 15. Time continues to slip quickly through the home teams fingers but things are looking up. A nice yellow hanky is thrown into the air by our friend the zebra to announce the delivery of a late hit by one of the Spartans. This brings the pig skin all the way up to the seven yard line. After three attempts to get in, it comes down to fourth down and goal from the 10 with :27 ticks left on the clock. Coach Nelson goes back into his baggie of magic tricks and lines’em up in a spread formation with 4 receivers. On the snap, Harned rolls out and lobs a pass into the right end zone that is miraculously caught by #1 Laquan Cox with just :20 seconds left. The celebration is on but now, it’s decision time. There’s an old rule in football that goes something like this. ” You always play to win at home and to tie on the road” No doubt Coach Tom, was of the same opinion. With the ball on the 4, and 18.7 seconds showing on the scoreboard, the Panthers approach the line and as the football Gods would have it on this gorgeous Carolina evening, there is a mix up in the snap count. The ball is snapped on one instead of two and it’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Half the O-Line stands up and the other half remains in their set positions. The two point conversation fails, Union assumes possession of the ball and #2 Bynum puts his knee on the ground to run out the clock. Final score is 36-35 Union.
There is No doubt that this was a major opportunity lost to poor execution. Sure, there will be finger pointing at the final play of the game. Fact is, this game wasn’t lost on the final play. It was an all around effort. Here’s the real culprit…6 fumbles resulting in 4 turnovers, numerous missed tackles and blown assignments, and a few terribly timed penalties. The blame for this one doesn’t rest on one kids head.
Speaking with coach Nelson after the game he stated that “Union was a good team but we basically killed ourselves by not hanging on to the ball and missing so many tackles” He went on to say that in his opinion “this is probably the best group of kids I’ve had to work with since ‘05 as far as work ethic”.
That’ about raps it up for me tonight folks. It’s 1:19AM and I’m too old for these hours. The wife is threatening me with physical abuse if I don’t come to bed and turn the light off. Next week North Lenoir comes calling and I can only hope for weather like we had tonight. By the way, something I forgot to mention…Where the heck was everyone tonight. Those stands should have been absolutely full of people 30 minutes before kick off. There couldn’t have been that many of you still at the beach!
Until next time… I’ll leave you with a peak at this years Varsity cheerleading squad.
One Response to “Panthers give away a heartbreaker at home”
By Mark Meadows on Aug 23, 2008
Thanks for the Pictures and highlights, Love NJ field.
I think they will be more competitive in the new 2A conference next year, the teams they play will be in the same areas that the Youth teams play (Bunn, franklinton, Louisburg). Keep up the great posts.