In a home matchup of epic proportions, the Nease Panthers clashed with Tocoi Creek, with the coveted 4S District Championship on the line. The Panthers displayed unwavering determination, storming out of the gates with a formidable performance that left no doubt about their championship ambitions.
Nease wasted no time in making their presence felt, with Kj Perry orchestrating a short but impactful run to open the scoring, propelling them to an early 7-0 lead. The momentum continued to surge as Bryce Frick handed the ball off to Cam Smith, who embarked on a 17-yard rushing touchdown, extending Nease’s lead to 13-0.
Kj Perry from Nease runs it in to get them on the board first! Score 7-0 @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/kUJcC9oLMj
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 3, 2023
The Panthers’ dominance transcended to the defensive side of the ball when Elisha Luckett III intercepted a Tocoi Creek pass. Capitalizing on this turnover, Cam Smith secured his second touchdown of the night.
As the second quarter dawned, Nease enjoyed a comfortable 20-0 advantage. However, Tocoi Creek’s Ryan Killmer had other plans, connecting on a long pass to Julio Santiago. This drive set the stage for Vincent Galella to put Tocoi Creek on the board, narrowing the score to 20-7 with Nease still in control.
Tocoi Vincent Galella gives them some life to finally get them on the board, 20-7 Nease still on top! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/Bm6YoABN4i
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 3, 2023
Tocoi Creek’s offensive struggles continued, resulting in a turnover on downs. Meanwhile, Cam Smith, the standout of the night, showcased his versatility by catching a 53-yard pass from Bryce Frick, securing his third touchdown of the game, with the score now at 26-7.
A short pass to Nease, Cam Smith, for a big gain and TD! Score 26-7, Nease with 4:28 left in the 2nd quarter! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/UdxwdxVzQC
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 3, 2023
The Toros managed to regain a glimmer of hope just before halftime, with Ryan Killmer completing a crucial pass to Connor McClendon for a touchdown. The score stood at 26-14, with the Panthers firmly in the lead.
Toros responds with Ryan Kilmer throwing it to Connor McClendon to bring the score to 26-14. Nease still in lead 3:36 left in 2nd @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/QjCYJNYdq3
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 4, 2023
The third quarter witnessed Nease resuming their dominance, with Kj Perry delivering a scoring run that extended their lead to 33-14. Tocoi Creek, determined to mount a comeback, saw Killmer connect on a touchdown pass to Hudson Brewer, narrowing the score to 33-21.
Nease Kj Perry adds to their score, 33-14 with 5:44 left in 3rd quarter! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/WKtLSg4fnE
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 4, 2023
The Nease Panthers executed their game plan flawlessly from start to finish, leaving no room for doubt. The final score spoke volumes as the Panthers emerged as the 4S District Champions, triumphing with a score of 47-27. Cam Smith, who had a sensational night, sealed the victory with a total of five touchdowns, cementing his status as a key player in the Panthers’ district championship journey.
Tocoi Creek (5-5) ends their regular season, and hopes for a potential playoff birth. Even if that doesn’t come, first year head coach Roy Harbison has the program going in the right direction.
Nease Cam Smith had an awesome game tonight with 5 TD’s and played a big role in helping his team become district champs! His thoughts on tonight game @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/JE6rdB2Xcx
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) November 4, 2023
Nease (7-3) will now switch their attention and focus toward the playoffs. Coach Collin Drafts led his team to the playoffs in 2021, falling to Buchholz in the regional final. They await the seed and the opponent.
