Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Panthers have mixed success at The Dome By MICHAEL THOMPSON Starrs Mill will be making a trip to Atlanta to start the season that has become an annual occurrence. The August 20 opener against No. 7 McEachren at the Georgia Dome marks the sixth year in a row the Panthers will playing in the 71,250 seat stadium. Its always fun for the kids to get a chance to play in the Ga. Dome, said Panthers head coach Mike Earwood. The Corkey Kell Classic has invited Starrs Mill to play in the High School Football Class since 2001. Thus far, the Panthers have posted a 2-2 record in those games. In 2000, the Panthers entered the semi-finals of the state playoffs with a 13-0 record, and played Harrison in a battle for a berth in the state championship game. Although Starrs Mill struck first with a Reuben Houston touchdown, they were down 28-10 at half-time. Second half touchdown runs by seniors Brad McClaren and Jason Laney brought the score to 28-24, but a late fourth down desperation pass from McClaren to Houston fell incomplete, ending the Panthers hopes of a state title. In 2001 the Panthers opened their season against East Coweta in the Corky Kell Classic, and were humbled 35-14. Having to replace nearly every starter from the previous 13-1 team, Starrs Mills defense gave up a 73-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game. From there, the neophyte Panther offensive was overwhelmed by a strong East Coweta defense, that only allowed one touchdown in the game. The Panthers other score came on a Andrew Bashakes fumble recovery. Finally in 2002 the Panthers were able to break the Dome jinx, sending Dacula home with a 24-7 loss. Deante Battle ran for two scores and Johnny Edwards added a touchdown run to give the Panthers a decisive win in their first game of the year. Unfortunately the Panthers opened with traditional powerhouse Brookwood in 2003, and were soundly defeated 30-0. The loss would send Starrs Mill on a downward spiral they couldnt recover from, and they would finish 4-6 for the season, the first losing season since 1998, which was the first time the Panthers fielded a varsity team. About the best thing I can tell you about that game was just playing at the Dome, said Ryan Barr, who was a senior receiver that year and is currently a freshmen this season playing football at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. Last season, the Panthers rolled over Walton 20-3 in the Dome game. Antonio Brown ran for a 64-yard and a 75-yard touchdown to help the Panthers to a big victory. Quarterback Robby Davis connected with Sean OBrien for a long 78-yard pass to get the ball to the two yard line, where Davis then took the ball in for the score. This year, we get to play in the night game, and our players and fan base are very excited about that, Earwood said. |
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