A stingy Georgiana defense paved the way for a second decisive postseason victory in Billingsley as the Panthers shut out the Bears 28-0.

Georgiana head football coach Ezell Powell said that his players won the battle physically, but also mentally in terms of getting prepared for a postseason opponent in hostile territory.

“The main topic for today was just being focused and going out and playing with great effort, and they did that,” Powell said. “Defensively, they got after it—they were all over the place.

“Offensively, we sputtered at times.  But when we had to have it, we made big plays and got the ball in the end zone.”

Powell said the same and more would be required next week as the Panthers prepare to travel to Maplesville, arguably the top Class 1A team to beat.

“We want to prove that we’re one of the good teams in Class 1A,” Powell said. “And the only way to prove that is to go out and beat the No. 1 team in Class 1A.”

The Panthers travel to Maplesville Friday night.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.