Panthers Excited About Latest Win, Hosting Another Playoff Game

Monday, November 16, 2009

Even though Little Rock Mills appeared to have everything going early in the second half, the Panthers didn’t panic in Friday night’s 42-35 win.

Greenbrier (7-3) was fighting an uphill battle in the second half of a first-round 5A playoff game until what became the biggest play of the game when Mills’ starting quarterback Christian Hampton injured a knee while attempting to dive into the end zone. The injury took place late in the third quarter.

“That changed the game,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said.

The result of that play led to Greenbrier’s four touchdowns in the fourth quarter after being held scoreless in the third quarter.

“All we were looking for was the W,” Greenbrier quarterback Neal Burcham said. “The individual stuff that everybody sees in the stands doesn’t matter to us. It feels wonderful to play at home again. That’s why we’ve done all this hard work is to get to the second round and that’s what we did (Friday). At halftime we made a few adjustments, and then we came out more focused and ready to play.”

The Panthers did like they have done all season by protecting home field during the win. Greenbrier’s lone home loss came to Heber Springs in nonconference play. Since Little Christian defeated Forrest City, the Panthers have a second-round home game this Friday.

“It feels really good,” Tribble said. “As a coach you don’t want to give up a touchdown on a kickoff return, and you don’t want them to rip the ball out and score. It takes a little bit of your excitement away. But, I’ve had enough losses that I’ll take any win that I can get.”

The Panthers’ Tanner Howland, who finished with four receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown, was numb after the win. Trent Virden led all receivers with 100 yards on three receptions.

“I was there when Neal needed me to be there,” Howland said. “When I seen Neal scramble around, then I tried to get open for him. Neal was really the one that made big plays. On the throwback pass, I knew I was going to be open. That’s why coach Langrell called that play.”

Greenbrier’s Matt Cain wanted the defensive line to make a difference in the second half, and the line did just that. Cain’s 11 tackles were behind Zac Perry’s team-high 15 tackles.

“The first half didn’t go the way we wanted it to because they were beating us on both sides of the line,” Cain said. “We knew we needed to come out in the second half and step it up. Then, we were able to get some momentum. You can’t stop the Panthers once we get our momentum going.”

Greenbrier’s Tom Boles led the second-half surge of the offensive line. The Panthers didn’t give up a sack during the comeback.

“In the first half, our offensive line didn’t have our heads right, and we kind of underestimated them,” Boles said. “In the second half we came out and we were more ready to go. I’m just thankful for the guys on the line. It’s great having guys that can score. It makes us all feel good. This was a whole team effort.


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