Chattco High School Panthers remain undefeated

By John W. Peeler, The BayonetSeptember 17, 2009

Chattco High School Panthers remain undefeated
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, GA - Chattahoochee County High School Panthers remained unbeaten in Region 4-A with a 14-7 come-from-behind victory over the Wildcats of Schley County Friday in Ellaville, Ga.

Following a scoreless first quarter, Chattco turned the ball over on their own 9-yard line on a botched snap from the shotgun formation. The Wildcats needed only one play to capitalize on the miscue, scoring on a Trae Mann run. With the successful Carlos Ixcot point after, Schley led 7-0.

Both teams continued to struggle offensively and went into halftime with Schley holding a one-touchdown lead.

Chattco got on the scoreboard in the waning seconds of the third quarter capping a 7-play, 55-yard drive on a 2-yard run by running back Eric Zeigler for the touchdown. The Panthers elected to go for the two-point conversion with quarterback David Cochran scoring on a keeper giving the Panthers an 8-7 lead. Cochran was 1-for-3 for 34 yards through the air and gained 4 yards on the ground during the drive while Zeigler rushed three times for 12 yards.

Schley's offense kept the ball for four minutes on the opening possession of the fourth quarter but was forced to punt to Chattco after failing to convert on 3rd-and-24. Eight plays later, Chattco scored on a 29-yard pass from Cochran to Niko Jones. The point after failed and Chattco took a 14-7 lead with 4:42 remaining in the game.

On the ensuing kickoff, Schley moved the ball from their own 25-yard line to Chattco's 46-yard line and on fourth-and-10 any comeback attempt by the Wildcats faded when Chattco's Dequavious Barbin intercepted the ball with 50 seconds remaining in the game

The victory moved the Panthers to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 4-A while the loss dropped the Wildcats to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in Region 4-A. Up next for Chattco is Central Talbotton. Game time is 7:30 p.m. today in Cusseta, Ga.