By Angie Ledbetter

On Sunday as the world was remembering the happenings that unfolded ten years ago on September 11, the world of South Panola football was remembering that it has been 10 years since the Tigers have lost two regular season games. In 2001 the Tigers went 5-6 on the season.

A crowd of 4,000 including 1,000-plus Tiger fans watched in stunned surprise as the Tigers fell 13-4 to Gulfport, without scoring a touchdown.

The last time South Panola went without scoring a touchdown is a date that will have to wait for another time.

“I’ve been coaching a long time and it doesn’t always go easy,” said head coach Lance Pogue. “I know there have been a lot of teams that have come across the field that have shaken South Panola’s hands and we’ve experienced this now but sometimes that’s how it goes in life. I’m not happy about it but all we can do is find ways to keep getting better.”

According to Pogue, this is a character test.

“Character defines all of us either good or bad and it’s how you chose to respond when things don’t go your way. I chose to fight back and be a leader to this players and coaching staff.”

The Tigers struck first when Antwar Ashley’s run took a five yard loss and Issac Gross tackled him in the endzone for a safety in the second quarter.

The Admirals scored a touchdown in the third when Nick Burks took the ball from the Tigers’ 18 but the PAT failed.

The Tigers got their second safety when Stephen Brauchle ran backwards for 11 yards with 3:41 left in the game to make the score 6-4.

Rodgrick Boose returned a 69-yard fumble for a Gulfport touchdown to put the game away with 1:37 left. The PAT gave Gulfport a 13-4 lead.  

On paper the Tigers beat the Admirals but not where it counted. South Panola logged 232 total yards, five penalties for 40 yards, one fumble and three kickoff returns for 28 yards. Logan Robertson punted seven times for 218 yards.

Gulfport had 59 total yards, four penalties for 40 yards, six punts for 234 and one kickoff return for 18 yards.

Tony Conner carried the ball 25 times for 74 yards. Tevis Flowers was 14 of 24 for 139 yards passing. DeAndrea Harris had two receptions for 48 yards. Carlos Hooks had one interception return for 17 yards.
Issac Gross had seven tackles, Temario Strong six and LaKeddrick Flowers had five.

“We played great defense and did a lot of things offensively but got down there close and didn’t get it done.”

South Panola will have an open date Friday, but returns to action September 23 in Horn Lake to start the district season.