Panthers Hold Off Rebels For Win (TV 18 Hurley 14)

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As far as intensity and drama goes, this was definitely the game of the year for Hurley (and I'd be willing to bet the same for TV too). Two evenly matched teams stepped onto the field and TV got the right to step of the winners in an 18-14 contest where the game came down to the last minutes.

 

The first quarter saw Hurley dominte on the ground, moving the ball well on two drives but unable to get any points. TV was actually getting pushed back into the negative yards early until Brandon Helton broke a screen pass for a 70 yard touchdown (the play was called back due to holding, but it still set the tone for things to come).

 

TV got on the board first, with a quick strike pass to Derek Keene, who juked two Hurley defenders out of there shoes en route to sprinting to the end zone. The Rebels went into the half down 6-0.

 

In the 3rd, TV blocked a punt into the end zone. They recovered it for there second touchdown of the night, 2 pt no good, score now 12-0. Momentum, ALL for Twin Valley.

 

Hurley was not about to give up though. Keyed by a spectacular 4th and 1 run by Shane Justice, who got a great downfield block by the RT and FB (Danny Robinson and Justin Charles, respectively), Shane faked inside, cut outside and sprinted nearly untouched into the end zone. QB Josh Childress added the 2 pt with a pass to Justice, score now 14-8.

 

Hurley got the ball back again after a TV punt. Shane Justice wasn't finished, as he still had some moves the Panthers had not seen. On a Lead play where Justice appeared to be wrapped up and tackled, one spin move later and Justice was in a dead on sprint to the goal line, where he got dragged down at the 3. Justice punched the ball in one play later, putting Hurley up 14-12.

 

TV came right back out, started driving the ball, and on about the 5th or 6th play of the drive, a TV RB burst up the left side of the line, broke two tackles and he was off to the races. Nobody touched him as he crossed the goal line, TV back up 18-14. Hurley moved the ball on there final possession, but with time running against them, they put the ball in the air on a trick play, which TV intercepted. A kneel down and two QB sneaks, and TV wins the contest.

 

I was impressed with TV's big play ability. Anytime one of there kids got his hands on the ball, the kid was a threat to take it to the house. I was even more impressed with TV's team speed. That aspect had improved greatly since I saw TV play a benefit game before the season started.

 

Hurley's gameplan offensively worked well most of the night. They came out in multiple looks and ran hard all night. However, Hurley wasn't equipped to come from behind and win. The passing game just wasn't there.

 

Both teams appear to be in the playoffs. Hurley seems likely to go to Burton, TV to Twin Springs. Best of luck to all area playoff teams.