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In a hard-fought game on Oct. 4, the Georgiana Panthers opened strong but couldn’t maintain their lead, falling to the Brantley Bulldogs 16-12 in a region matchup.

“We played well in spots, but our focus wasn’t where it was supposed to be,” said Georgiana Head Coach Berry Bess . “We took a lead but we weren’t able to hold it. It shows that we need to work on focus throughout the game and finishing late in the game.”

The Panthers were the first to strike, with a touchdown connection from Bernard McCaster to Kaveon Miles, putting Georgiana on the board with a 6-0 lead. However, a missed PAT left points on the field. 

Brantley answered soon after that when wide receiver Cooper Layton connected on a pass for a touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to edge ahead, 8-6, with just over three minutes left in the first half.

Georgiana’s Jacobie Morgan made a crucial interception just before halftime, halting a potential Bulldog score in the end zone. Despite the interception, the score remained 8-6 at the break, with Brantley set to receive the ball to start the second half.

The Panthers regained the lead late in the game, as Morgan found Miles once again in the end zone to push Georgiana ahead 12-8 with just five minutes remaining. But the Bulldogs responded with a late-game rush from Jayden Parks, whose touchdown and successful two-point conversion sealed Brantley’s 16-12 victory.

Brantley’s head coach, Ronald Jones Jr., praised his team’s resilience. 

“We played hard and fought hard and it was a big region win for us,” Jones said. “I think our defense played really well and gave us a chance to win the game.”

The Panthers will host Red Level Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.