By Myra Bean

Fumbling the opening kickoff was a forecast of things to come as North Panola lost its opening game to Rosa Fort 38-0.

The non-district contest provided some answers that first year head coach Robert Hunter needed answering about his very young and inexperienced team.

Four turnovers marked the Cougar game as two quarterbacks directed the team throughout the night, starter Martavius Butler and freshman Jatavious Farmer.

“There is not much to say,” said a disappointed Hunter. “We were beaten by a better team.”

There were few bright spots on the part of the Cougar offense with 13 total yards, including 49 passing and minus 36 rushing. Two pick-six interceptions or interceptions returned for touchdowns along with one other interception halted Cougar drives. The Cougars drove to the 25-yard line but that was as deep as they would go as they were forced to turn the ball over on downs.

One of the defensive highlights for the Cougars was an interception by senior cornerback Antwun Armstrong on Rosa Fort’s first possession which counteracted the kickoff fumble. Izear Farmer recovered a fumble with 4:57 left in the second quarter.

Cougar linebacker Tony Hibbler recorded 11 total tackles for the game.

The defense did hold the Rosa Fort offense in check most of the first quarter, but fatigue became a factor before halftime for the Cougars as Rosa Fort led 18-0 at the half.

Leading rusher was Darius Jackson for 10 yards, followed by Cedric Clay for nine yards. Willie Hibbler was the leading rusher with three catches for 35 yards. Butler completed five of 17 passes for 49 yards and one interception.

The Cougars will be open Friday and return to action Friday, September 2 in the first of three straight road games at Lewisburg at 7:30 p.m.