North and Anna shoot it out in Lewisburg.
North and Anna battled in a high scoring contest that built momentum as the game went on. Anna took an early lead and North kept catching up only to have Anna pull ahead again. Late in the 3rd quarter the Rockets had the lead 24 to 13. But North's defense stopped the Rockets and on their next possesion Landes carried to the Anna 16 and then a few plays later Eric Wright carried the ball in from the 6. North failed to convert for 2 points, even though they had 2 attempts due to a penalty. The score was 24 to 19 and Anna could feel the pressure.
But Anna had an answer on their next possession as they threw the ball to the 42 yard line, then ran a draw to the North 23. TJ Marks from Anna ran a sweep for a TD and again the lead was increased - North was down 31 to 19. They needed two scores to get the lead. The next series began with North on their own 36. But Landes broke loose during this series and got to the Anna 25. Now it was Eric Wrights turn as he ran thru and around Anna defenders on a 25 yard TD run. A 2 point try by Landes failed, but North had drawn closer - 25 to 31. Once again the lead was in reach.
The Rockets had a good return to their own 42. This time the North defense was fired up and hammered the Rockets backwards. On third and 10 the Rocket quarterback was sacked and it was 4th and 25. So they had to punt away. The North offense gladly took the ball and promptly started to march down the field. The momentum had definitely swung over to the Panthers. The clock read 8:31 in the 4th quarter as the Panthers began their drive. The got a first down to their own 30, then moved onto midfield. Eric Wright busted loose to the Anna 22. The crowd was getting into the game at this point as the excitement mounted. North had trailed all night, this was their chance to draw even and maybe go ahead. The ball was handed to Eric Wright again, and he battled to the 6 for a first down. The next play went for paydirt as Wright crossed the goal line and tied the score. Cody Holp made good on his extra point kick and North was ahead 32 to 31.
North attempted a squib kick, but it didn't get very far downfield and Anna returned to midfield, then got a first down on the TCN 41. This put the offense in great field position. A pass interference call put Anna on the North 25 and suddenly the 1 point lead was in danger. The North defense stiffened and Anna was faced with 4th and a short yard on the TCN 17. There was 2:33 left in the game at this point. But North's defense bent and gave Anna a first down on the North 9. TJ Marks ran the ball in for the go ahead TD. But on a halfback pass on a 2 point conversion attempt, Marks could not find the receiver and the score was Anna 37 TCN 32.
Now the Panthers had their backs against the wall. The kickoff was returned to the TCN 36, the first play was a pass which fell incomplete. Again the Panthers went to the air, this time Landes had to scramble, he finally heaved a throw downfield only to have it picked off. Anna ran out the clock and managed to win this exciting CCC shootout.
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