Panthers Win A Thriller over North Buncombe 21 - 20

Advance to the 2nd Round of Playoffs to Face Anson County of Wadesboro, NC

The Franklin Panthers held off a late charge from the North Buncombe Black Hawks to seal a thrilling 21 - 20 victory in the 1st round of the NCHSAA 3A playoffs.

The Panthers got an exceptional effort from their sophomore running back Blaine Clark who rushed for 152 yards and two TDs.  But is was the old workhorse, senior Josh Young (97 yards rushing) that propelled a third quarter drive that set the tone for the second half.

North Buncombe junior quarterback Randy Pressley was impressive as usual, using sheer athletic ability to elude Panther defenders and keep his team in the game.  But his greatest achievement of the night was a result of luck, not skill. 

With just over a minute to go, Franklin held a 21 - 14 lead and had forced Pressley and the Black Hawks into a fourth down and 21. From the Franklin 32 yard line, Pressley threw a  desperation heave toward his intended receiver.  The ball was defended perfectly by Erxleben who batted the ball away from the intended North Buncombe receiver and seemingly sealing the win.

But in a moment that could be called the "immaculate reception of Weaverville", a nearby Black Hawk receiver scooped it up as it fell toward the turf and rolled into the end zone. After the miracle play, Franklin was up 21-20.

If the game had not already had its share of surprises, North Buncombe coach Carey Metts made one of the gutsiest calls of his career.  Electing to go for the win, North Buncombe went for the two-point conversion.  But the snap to Pressley in the shotgun sailed over his head.  Pressley finally scooped it up and threw another desperation heave.  This time it was intercepted by Gavin McKinney.  Panthers seal the deal 21-20 and move on to face Anson County in the second round.

 SCORING SUMMARY:

First Quarter
    Franklin - Robert Mullins 5 yard pass from Christian Vose (Andrew Raby kick) 1:58
Second Quarter
    NB - Randy Pressley 2 run (Zack Dillow kick) 00:19
Third Quarter
    Franklin - Blaine Clark 18 run (Raby kick) 3:36
    NB - Pressley 12 run (Dillow kick) 1:30
Fourth Quarter
    Franklin - Clark 54 run (Raby kick) 11:50
    NB - Daniel Rice 32 pass from Pressley (2point conv. failed) 1:01

 

Game Statistics (courtesy citizen-times.com) Team First Downs Rushes Passing Pass Yards Fumbles Punts Penalties Franklin 14 43-247 5-9-0 91 3-0 2-29.5 6-55 N. Buncombe 13 33-211 5-19-1 117 3-0 3-39.0 8-63 Individual Statistics N. Buncombe    Rushing Randy Pressley: 25-194, 2 TD Maverick Reed: 1-9 Christian West: 7-8  Passing    (CMP-ATT-INT-YDS) Randy Pressley: 5-19-1-117  Receiving Justin Norton: 2-10 Daniel Rice: 2-57, 1 TD Christian West: 2-51 Franklin    Rushing Blaine Clark: 20-152, 2 TD Christian Vose: 5--3 Tyler Watson: 1-1 Josh Young: 17-97  Passing    (CMP-ATT-INT-YDS) Christian Vose: 5-9-0-91  Receiving Vince Collins: 1-12 Cody Herman: 2-73 Robert Mullins: 1-5 Josh Young: 1-1