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By Travis M. Smith | KBEC Sports
The Maypearl Panthers once again proved they are close to returning as a week-in, week-out gridiron contender. A 24-point third quarter for Fort Worth Christian on Friday in Maypearl, unfortunately, told the tale.
The Panthers trailed just 15-13 as they headed into the halftime locker rooms.
Though the Cardinals scored first, Maypearl quarterback Jaxson Emerton connected with Lex Lewis for a 62-yard touchdown pass with seven minutes and change to play in the first quarter. The score followed by a Rylan Winingham point-after kick tied the game at 7-all.
Fort Worth Christian scored — quickly — on its ensuing offensive possession when Chance Luper hauled in a 73-yard touchdown pass. The two-point attempt was converted and had the Panthers behind 15-7 with just over six minutes to play in the first quarter.
Winingham eventually converted on a pair of 33-yard field goals in the second quarter to send the game into the half with the Panthers trailing, 15-13.
The Cardinals then scored 24 unanswered points in the third quarter to take a commanding 39-13 lead into the final eight minutes.
Grant Hamby added a 51-yard and 16-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to reach the 39-29 final score, as the Panthers offense converted on both two-point conversion attempts.
Hamby ended the game with 181 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, while Emerton added 28 yards on 10 totes.
Emerton also completed 12-of-21 passes for 175 yards with one touchdown to two interceptions.
Cooper Maxwell, Lewis and Robert Gomez all led the Panthers defense with eight tackles, each.
Maxwell also recovered a fumble late in the first quarter.
The Panthers have now lost two consecutive games to fall to 2-2 on the season. Their District 9-3A schedule begins at 7:30 p.m Friday at home against (2-2) Groesbeck.
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To see more photos by Jerome Stewart, visit: https://midmoments.smugmug.com/Football-Maypearl/Maypearl-Football-v-Ft-Worth-Christian-Sept-20-2019/
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Travis M. Smith, @Travis5mith
tsmith@kbec.com
