Panthers look to upset Seahawks

Lake City players celebrate during their game against Manning earlier in September.

By: | SCNow
Published: October 02, 2008

Lake City nearly pulled off an upset against then undefeated Myrtle Beach in the first round of last year’s playoffs.

On Friday, they’ll get another shot.

The Seahawks will put their 5-0 record on the line against the Panthers in the Morning News Game of the Week.

“They were a great team last year, and the scary thing is, they look even better on film this year,” Lake City coach Justin Gentry said. “So you can’t really rely on game plans from last year.

“It’s a whole new set of challenges for us.”

After facing run-oriented Crestwood last week, the Panthers must deal with the Seahawks’ attack led by sophomore quarterback Everett Golson.

Golson has thrown for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, and is considered by many, including Gentry, to be the best quarterback in the state.

“Just his presence in the pocket is tremendous,” Gentry said. “He makes good decisions back there, and throws a very catchable ball to several good receivers.

“They’re capable of a big play at any time.”

The Panthers can’t become relaxed against the run either, Gentry said.

“They’ve got a couple of speedy backs who can do some damage when you’re thinking pass play all the time,” he said.

Myrtle Beach is coming off three straight last-minute wins, including a 24-21 vicotry last week against Conway.

But Myrtle Beach coach Scott Earley said that Lake City might provide the toughest test yet.

“They’re an extremely fast team, probably the fastest we’ve faced,” Earley said. “A big play against another team might only go for three yards against Lake City.”

Earley added that the Seahawks will have to be patient against a Panthers team allowing just 132 yards of offense per game.

If the Seahawks do have a weakness, it might be against the run, Earley said.

“We’ve had some trouble stopping the run in the last few weeks,” he said. “And that’s something we’re going to have make sure we’re on top of.”

For the Panthers, their best defense might be their offense, Gentry said.

“We’re going to have to establish the run game and put together some long drives,” Gentry said. “But we can’t just hold on to the ball. We have to be able to put up some points.”