On the prowl: Panthers playoff potential rises with Jackson-Olin win
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Pelham Panthers and the Jackson-Olin Mustangs got together in Pelham last Friday night for what may well be a state record worthy performance.
Not that it would be a matter of pride for the visiting Mustangs, but as a bright full moon beamed down on Ned Bearden Stadium, Pelham outlasted Jackson-Olin 77-40.
The 117-point total is just 4 points shy of the last record entry in the Alabama High School Athletic Association records section for most points score by two teams.
Pleasant Grove beat Gardendale 76-45 for 121 total points in 2000. But Parish and Hubbertville combined for the most points (81-58) for 139 total points in 2003.
&8220;Offensively, I thought we played well,&8221; said Pelham High School head football coach Brett Burnett.
His Panthers rushed for 238 yards and passed for 297 for a hefty 535 yards total offense.
He said, however, &8220;We were horrible defensively the first half. I give credit to Jackson-Olin. They did a good job. They came out and we did not adjust well at all the first half, and they hung 32 on us. I didn&8217;t feel good up 30 at the second half &8230; I was scared to death.&8221;
The visitors rushed for 202 yards and passed for 195 to put up 375 yards total offense of their own.
Pelham led 43-32 at the half but out scored the Mustangs 34-8 in the final two quarters.
Burnett said, &8220;We challenged the seniors at half time to come out and lead us to victory. Fortunately they came out and they did that. This is a big win for us.&8221;
Pelham quarterback Josh Thomason completed 26 of 35 passes for 297 yards and six touchdowns, though he suffered one interception for the night.
Wes Holland pounded the Mustangs for 147 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 10 passes for 73 yards and one touchdown via the aerial.
Russell Prince had 49 yards on seven carries and one touchdown of his own. And Isaac Bivens had six catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
The win lifts 6A Pelham to 5-1 overall, 4-0 region. The Panthers hit the road Friday to play Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa in a region battle