The Perry Panthers went toe-to-toe with perennial powerhouse Ware County in Waycross Friday night dropping the contest 21-14 in a hard-fought defensive struggle that stayed tight from start to finish. The first half featured stingy defense, key stops in the red zone, and missed opportunities on both sides before the Gators ultimately held off the Panthers in the second half.
Ware County drove deep into Perry territory twice in the first quarter but came up empty each time. The Panther defense came up with timely sacks and forced penalties, pushing the Gators back and leading to a pair of missed field goals — one wide left and the other wide right — keeping the score locked at 0–0.
In the second quarter, Ware County finally broke through on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Isaiah White to Jamario Rice, giving the Gators the early lead. Perry continued to battle, responding with a long, methodical 11-play drive to tie the game as Decorrion Daniels scored from 3 yards out.
The half ended when the Panthers attempted a 48 yard field goal which had distance but not accuracy. Halftime score was knotted at 7-7.
Ware County went on an 80-yard, 9 play drive to start the second half and took a 14-7 third quarter lead. Perry’s running game kicked in high gear and the Panthers went for a long drive which tied the game with another Daniels rushing score.
The fourth quarter began tied at 14, but the combination of White and Rice struck again for the go ahead score. The Gators were able to hold on, converting on a critical 4th down and 5 when Perry was off sides allowing Ware to run out the clock. The final score was 21-14
Perry returns home for the first time since September 12th to face state power and region foe, Benedictine on 10/24 and host rival Warner Robins to end the regular season on 10/31.
Flint Energies Defensive POG – Anteros Sims
The Butcher Shop Offensive POG – Decorrion Daniels
