Wednesday, December 13, 2000
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Wednesday, December 13, 2000 |
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Starr's Mill's season ends in loss at the Georgia Dome By MICHAEL BOYLAN When you got past the glitz and glamour of the Georgia Dome last Friday night, it was the same Starr's Mill team that had played and won 13 games this year. The Panthers received the opening kick, ran eight plays and scored on a 45-yard touchdown pass to Reuben Houston. The drive took four minutes and 11 seconds and the Panthers looked like they were ready to stay in the driver's seat. And then Harrison got the ball. The Hoyas scored less than two minutes later, after a 66-yard run from Jonathan Walker. The score was now tied and nothing was certain. Harrison scored on its next three possessions, while the Panthers punted on their next three drives. The score with five minutes left to play in the first half was 28-7. Harrison was finally stopped on downs and forced to punt with two minutes left in the first half. Starr's Mill started a key drive, which included huge catches from Houston and Kyle Jones. The drive ended with a 49-yard field goal from Jon Vickers, making the score 28-10. Many teams would have folded in the second half, especially when the team you are kicking off to has scored on four out of five drives on you. But Starr's Mill didn't quit. The Panthers stopped the Hoyas on their opening drive of the second half and then drove down the field and scored on a four-yard quarterback keeper from Brad McClaren. Starr's Mill attempted an onside kick but couldn't gain possession. The defense rose up again, forcing a punt, but the offense was pinned deep on its side of the field. Harrison got the ball back, attempted a field goal in the fourth quarter and missed. Starr's Mill started another drive, which ended with an interception. Harrison drove down to the Starr's Mill five yard line and connected on a field goal. The Panthers responded with a great drive, sustained by key plays from McClaren, Houston and Jason Laney. It was Laney who scored the touchdown at the end of the drive from five yards out. Starr's Mill was now one touchdown away from tying the ball game. The Panther defense did its job, stopping Harrison deep on the Hoyas' next drive. The offense, which did not have the benefits of any timeouts left, couldn't get to the end zone in time, though. The game, and the season, ended for the Panthers. It is now time to comment on what a joy it has been to watch the team this season. They have played some of the most exciting football this county has ever seen and should be commended for their efforts. A 13-game winning streak is not something to shrug off. It is also important to recognize how quickly this team has reached this level. Starr's Mill had its first graduating class last year and this is only the Panthers' third year of varsity play. Congratulations to the players and coaches of a terrific program on an excellent season. |
