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The Georgiana Panthers triumphed over the J.F. Shields Panthers, 54-0, under the Friday night lights on Sept. 29. The victory is the fourth shutout in a row for the Georgiana team and head coach Berry Bess said that the biggest asset to the team is the leadership and maturity of the players. 

He explained that the players hold one another to high standards. 

“As a staff, we tell the kids all the time that we don’t want to have a bunch of rules to follow,” Bess said. “We want to set the standards of what goes on in our program and what doesn’t. Our kids do a good job of policing themselves and each other. In the past, we have lacked that, not necessarily due to the kids or the coaching staff, but because things were being instilled then, they were still learning.”

Jacobie Morgan, No. 10 quarterback, explained what has led the team to this achievement. 

“It feels great to accomplish this feat and be where we are now,” Morgan said. “It also feels good knowing that we can compete and win every game we play if we play together and work as a team. What led us to this success is practicing hard each day, paying attention in the film whether we are watching ourselves or our opponents, as well as pushing ourselves in the weight room. We are coming together as a team, but we aren’t done yet.”  

Deedra Benson, Georgiana High School principal, said the Panther community is very proud of the players and coaching team. 

“Panthers, your dedication, hard work and teamwork are genuinely remarkable,” Benson said. “Coach Bess, your leadership and ability to motivate and guide the team are impressive. The entire Georgiana community is beaming with pride. This win adds to your team’s impressive track record and sets the bar high for what’s to come. It’s clear that you’re a force to be reckoned with, and I do not doubt that more success is on the horizon.”

Bess said he is ready to enjoy the fruits of his labor from these past three seasons. 

“Being my third season here, I have said multiple times, I wanted to be here to enjoy the fruits of my labor,” Bess said. “I feel like it’s happening now, in front of our eyes. We have come a long way from when I stepped foot on campus, but we still have a ways to go. I love the way our kids are competing and playing the game, but as a staff we will continue to coach them hard so they can continue to grow.”

The Panthers next game will be at home against Brantley on Oct. 6.