FOREST PARK, Ga. — The Panama City Panthers bounced back in a big way Saturday night, making the five-hour road trip worthwhile with an 18-8 victory over the Tri-State Phoenix.
The Panthers endured a rough start as quarterback Gray Stille threw two first-quarter interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, giving the Phoenix an early 8-0 lead. Panama City’s defense, one of the league’s best, settled in quickly and shut down Tri-State.
Cornerbacks Tyvaugh Alexander and Travis King II recorded interceptions, while defensive linemen Adebanji Bamidele, Treysean Prentice, Silvio Martinez and Amos Bostick each registered sacks.
Stille responded before halftime, connecting with wide receiver Cordell Broy on a 30-yard fourth-down touchdown pass to trim the deficit to 8-6 at the break.
The Panthers controlled the second half behind relentless defensive pressure. Linebackers Zay Ross and Dontell Baxter delivered several hard hits, while safety O’Shea Williams and defensive backs Goldie Dorsey and Darrell Truitt helped keep the Phoenix at bay.
On offense, running back Jason Lewis provided the game’s biggest highlight, turning a fourth-down reception into a 50-yard touchdown after breaking five tackles. Running back Tyliek Mears sealed the win with a 2-yard rushing touchdown late in the game.
With the victory, the Panthers improved to 6-3, adding to a historic season as the APDFL playoffs approach.
Panama City will host its regular-season finale May 23 against the Port City Vikings.
APDFL East
1. Clarksville Chiefs (8–1), 2. Columbus Storm (6–2–1), Dalton Danger (4–4), Alabama Ravens (2–3), Georgia Allstars (2–5), Georgia Grizzlies (2–5), 6. Georgia Smoke (0–3), 7. Alabama Hitmen (0–4).
APDFL West
1. JXN Iron-Hide (4–1), 2. Alabama Wardawgs (5–2), 3. Panama City Panthers (6–3), 4. Port City Vikings (5–3), 5. Louisiana Gators (0–3), 6. Alabama Bandits (0-7).
Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Panthers football wins, makes franchise history