The 2006 football season started in the Georgia Dome for the Starr’s Mill Panthers and they were close to returning there for the state semi-finals. The East Paulding Raiders stood in their way though and defeated Starr’s Mill 35-28.

The Raiders jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. They scored on their first possession, recovered a Starr’s Mill fumble on the ensuing kickoff and scored one play later and then scored on their following drive. The Panthers refused to back down though. The defense tightened up and the offense settled down and began to produce scoring drives.
“We started throwing the ball more and overall the team got adjusted to the field conditions,” said Coach Mike Earwood of the adjustments his team made.

Robby Davis scored the lone Panther touchdown in the first half off of a seven yard run and the two teams entered the locker rooms with East Paulding winning 21-7. Brandon Witta scored halfway through the third quarter to cut the lead to a touchdown (21-14) 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 comeback and the forcing of an overtime period. The Raiders got two first downs though and ran out the clock in front of a very cold but excited crowd.

Starr’s Mill amassed 334 total yards in the game, with the team rushing for 131 yards and passing for 203.

It was a disappointing loss for the team and they have to wonder what would have been had they not fallen behind so early. Making the quarterfinals for the second straight year was quite an accomplishment though, especially considering the injuries the team had to deal with and playing on the road for four straight weeks.

“That’s the way the state playoffs go,” said Earwood. “You either win it all or you go home.” He added that he was especially proud of his team for hanging in there during some tough times this season. He cited good play from the offensive line, and defenders Parker duPont and Sean Elliot in the loss.

Starr’s Mill will graduate 28 seniors from this year’s roster and will have 30 on next year’s team. It will be hard to replace quarterback Robby Davis though, a starter at the position for the last three years.

Fans know the team will be back, contending for a playoff spot and shooting for a title.

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