The Panthers win to make the state playoffs
Posted at 22:19, Friday, November 4, 2022
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Fullback Jamie Corpreu broke off several long runs and scored two touchdowns in the Panthers’ first-round win over Weldon in the state playoffs. (Steve Barnes/Washington Daily News)
Senior quarterback Carson Clinkscales (17) was part of a stingy Northside defense that allowed Weldon just two first downs in the first half Friday night. (Steve Barnes/Washington Daily News)
Sophomore Max Vansant brings down Weldon’s ball carrier. (Steve Barnes/Washington Daily News)
The Panthers take the field in the first round of the 1A state playoffs against Weldon. (Steve Barnes/Washington Daily News)
After six games in the first round of the Northside 1A playoffs against Weldon, the Panthers led 14-0 and never looked back en route to a 42-6 victory Friday night at Bing Mitchell Field.
13thousand The top-seeded Panthers (7-4) will travel to fourth-seeded Northampton in the second round next week after the Raiders blew out Jones Sr., 68-6, at home on Friday.
Weldon fumbled on its first scrimmage at its own 36, and it took Northside six plays for fullback Jamie Corpreu to score on a two-yard run.
The Chargers (3-7) used a big play on the ensuing drive to drive to Northside’s four-yard line, but its defense held.
Senior Marcus Clayton burst through a huge hole on the first play for a 96-yard touchdown to put Northside up 14-0.
“We came out focused and prepared,” coach Keith Boyd said. “Marcus has great speed, which gives us an extra dimension when the defense packs the box. He and Jamie both had great performances tonight and our offensive line opened up some big holes.”
Clayton added a 35-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, then intercepted a pass on the next series and took it 95 yards to the endzone for a 28-0 lead.
After the Panther defense fumbled a punt, Clayton added his fourth touchdown of the half on a 15-yard run for a 35-0 halftime lead.
Corprei broke off an 87-yard drive in the third quarter to make it 42-0 before the Chargers scored on a 77-yard touchdown pass on the final plays.
“We played hard, matched their intensity and our defense was huge,” Boyd said. “It was a good way to start the playoffs.”
Corpreuw finished with 175 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns, while Clayton had 171 yards on eight carries and four scores. Northside had 31 games, gaining 445 yards, 430 rushing.
