Dreams of playing in the state semifinals in the Georgia Dome next Friday were dashed tonight as the East Paulding Raiders held off a determined Starr's Mill team 35-28.

The Panthers spotted the Raiders a 21-0 lead with four minutes remaining in the first quarter, but they refused to give up. Robby Davis scored the lone Panther touchdown in the first half off of a seven yard run and Brandon Witta scored halfway through the third quarter to cut the lead to a touchdown but an interception of a Davis pass led to another East Paulding touchdown and the Panthers had to play catch up once again.

In the fourth quarter Keenan Penson ran for a one yard touchdown to cut the lead to 28-21 but East Paulding scored on their next drive with a huge pass play. The Panthers still didn't give up. They went on a four minute drive that was capped by a three yard touchdown pass to Dante Cheek. The Panthers knew that if their defense could force a turnover or stop the Raiders from getting a first down, there might be time for a miracle comeback and the forcing of an overtime period. East Paulding was having none of it though. The Raiders got two first downs and ran out the clock in front of a very cold but excited crowd.

The Panthers gave it their all this year, overcoming a ton of adversity to make it this far. Losing another heartbreaker in the state quarterfinals will be a bitter pill to swallow, but the fans and all the people in the stands saw the true character of the team tonight. The Panthers were warriors and they set a terrific example of good sportsmanship and never giving up on yourself or your team.