North Pitt uses big fourth quarter to defeat the Rams 24-22
By: Jayden Willis
Greene Central looked to be in control of their matchup against the North Pitt Panthers going into the fourth quarter, but the Panthers found magic at the end of the third as they rode their momentum. To give the Rams their first conference loss of the season.
The Rams came into the game on the heels of their first loss last week, and looking to get back in the win column. The Rams defense would control most of the first three quarters holding an 8-0 for most of the game, even scoring the only points for the Rams.
“Imma look back at the film and see five or six plays that could have changed the outcome of the game towards our way,” said Head Coach Jason Wilson.
The Rams had multiple drives throughout the game that looked like scoring drives. This would not be the case though, as they would get to the red zone many times and couldn’t capitalize. The Rams' defense would help them out with a scoop and score for the only points of the first half for either team.
“They found something in the second half and executed it,” said coach Wilson. “We just ran out of time at the end.”
The Panthers had no momentum for almost three quarters, but changing to a no-huddle offense flipped all the momentum toward the Panthers' side. This led to 24 points for the Panthers most of which came in one quarter.
The no-hustle offense led to senior quarterback Famous Wilson throwing for 123 yards and only having two incompletions in the second half. He would also throw for two touchdowns, one to tight end Ethan Wilson. He also benefited from the offensive change-over 60 receiving yards in one half.
“Second half we moved the ball at will,” said Jason Wilson. “We put the ball in the endzone, we scored two times and probably had another opportunity to score.”
The Rams like the Panthers found their groove in the second half rushing for over 100 yards in the half with two touchdowns. Junior running back Dejaun Cobb missed the last game but pitched in 102 rushing yards for the Rams along with a touchdown. Junior wide receiver Denelley Coppedge scored with a tush push for the Rams' second touchdown of the second half.
Ultimately, the game would come down to a final offensive drive for the Rams down two with a minute left. The Rams just couldn’t find their groove for the first time in the second half and ended up losing their second straight game.
“We gotta protect the county we’re back home after two weeks on the road,” said Jason Wilson.”We just gotta put a whole game together.”
The loss puts the Rams' record at 3-2 and 0-1 in the conference They will look to get back to their winning ways with a matchup at home against the 3-2 Southwest Edgecombe Cougars. The Panthers sit a 3-1 after the big win and hope to use the momentum from it against West Carteret next week.
