Georgiana had a strong offensive showing compared to last week, but it wasn’t enough to defeat Geneva County at their home field. The Panthers lost by a narrow margin, 39-36.
“Our guys played well enough to win, we just didn’t win,” said head coach Shawn Gregory. “Things just didn’t bounce our way. We’d score a touchdown, only to have it called back. We were penalty-struck.”
The Panthers were called for a total of 19 penalties, which cost them 155 yards for the night.
Devin Bonner started the first drive off right, connecting with Rickey Everett for a 35-yard touchdown. Adrian Rich put some more Panther points on the board with 4:47 left in the second quarter, with a 20-yard run.
Neither team seemed to be able to hold on to the ball. The Panthers coughed up six fumbles, giving up three possessions. Geneva County fumbled nine times, also losing possession three times.
Keon Binion and Rickey Everett both capitalized on Geneva County fumbles, with Binion running in a 55-yard return and Everett spanning almost the entire field for an 80-yard return in the third. The Panthers had a total of 30 rushes for 150 yards, with Everett picking up a rushing touchdown of his own, running 61-yards and then running in the two-point conversion.
Quarterback Devin Bonner was 7-of-17 with two interceptions. Geneva County did not connect on any of their four attempts.
“You know, you always go in two touchdowns down on the road,” Gregory said. “You just got to hope things go your way with the officiating.”
Georgiana returns home next week to square off against Brantley.