NP upset by Independence in pivotal game

By Ike House
North Panola dropped to No. 3 in Region 2-3A after an upset loss to Independence, 44-26, who remains undefeated in district play.
In the first quarter the Cougars got on the board first after Ryshonne Bishop scored from six yards out and went ahead 8-0 after the two point conversion.
Independence answered on an 80 yards. The two-point attempt failed and North Panola retained the 8-6 lead.
Cougar quarterback K. J. Jefferson capped a six-play drive with a 36-yard touchdown run to take the 14-6 lead as the two-point conversion failed.
Sylvonta Oliver intercepted the Wildcats’ next possession took the ball to deep into Wildcat territory but failed to capitalized on a bad snap. Independence scooped up the fumbled and took back for a touchdown to pull within two, 14-12, after the two-point attempt failed.
In the second quarter, the Wildcats began to dominate, scoring again on a 19-yard run to take their first lead of the game, 20-12, after the two-point conversion.
The Cougars could not find an answer on either side of the ball as the Cougars and fell even farther after another Wildcat score, a passing touchdown for 56 yards for the 26-12 lead.
Before the half the Cougars scored on another Jefferson touchdown from 12 yards out to bring them within six points, 26-20, after the failed two point attempt.
After halftime both offenses struggled. Independence depended on special teams to extend its lead 32-20 on a 94-yard kick off return and a failed two-point attempt.
In the fourth quarter, the Cougars rallied. Jefferson scored his third touchdown for the 32-26 score.
The touchdown would not be enough as the Wildcats scored on a 27-yard run on their next drive for the 38-26 lead.
The Wildcats would score for a final time with a 36 yard run that led to a final of 44-26.
Jefferson ended the game throwing 10-21 for 139 yards. He also had 16 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns.
Other rushers were Bishop with eight carries for 75 yards and a touchdown; Lavonta Towns, six carries for 80 yards; T’Marya Russell three carries for 23 yards; and Jamal Leverson with three carries for 33 yards.
Leading the receiving corps was Towns with two catches for 36 yards. Other receivers were Leverson with a catch for 25 yards; Bishop, one a catch for 20 yards; Tyler Shorter, two catches for 18 yards;  Oliver one catch for 16 yards; Tracy Davis one catch for 13 yards; Jonathan Harris one catch for seven yards; and Jamarvis Echols with a catch for four yards.
The Cougars will be back on the road Friday for their final game of the regular season against Holly Springs at 7 p.m.