PCA’s Michael Gregory (4) looks for a hole in the Autauga Academy line in the first quarter of Friday’s game. (Photo by Art Parker)

By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(August 21, 2010)

PRATTVILLE - Prattville Christian Academy (PCA) head football coach Grey Powell said his Panthers didn’t get the win they dreamed about, but they did get the win they wanted to start the season.

The 27-6 victory over nearby rival Autauga Academy on Friday night did come with muscle cramps, twisted ankles and a variety of other injuries. “We are a M.AS.H. unit,” Powell said after the game on his home field. “We were running fourth string backs and they got other jobs too, you know, they just don’t sit on the bench.”

Jonathan Pearson, the anchor of the Panthers defense at linebacker, also saw plenty of action in the second half and spent most of the night running over opponents. The rugged PCA junior didn’t really want to relive his moments on offense but was clear in saying that the defense played very well and got the job done.

Without a fumble recovery deep in PCA territory in the second quarter that led to a score, Autauga Academy’s scoring chances were all but non-existent.

PCA scored first with the help of a Generals’ miscue when DeMarius Geeter scored from a yard out early in the first quarter. Just before the end of the first quarter PCA starting quarterback Jordan Peak connected with J.J. Hudson from the 39-yard line.

 Victor Washington lived a lineman’s dream and picked off a Generals’ pass early in the second quarter and rambled to the 14 yard line setting up the Panthers’ offense. After a face mask call, Michael Gregory burst into the end zone from the 4 yard line to make the score 18-0. PCA failed on 2-point conversions after every touchdown in the first half.

 The first half ended in a bizarre fashion. The Panthers were knocking on the door but a hurried pass was intercepted and returned 90 yards for a Generals score. The score was nullified but the Generals gained possession on the PCA 47-yard line.

Trying to get back in the game with less than 30 seconds in the half, the Generals tried to hit the end zone through the air, but Hudson intercepted for the Panthers and returned it to the Generals 35 yard line.

PCA’s Josh Jones missed on a 42-yard attempt with the buzzer sounding the end of the half. But a Generals penalty extended the first half and gave Jones another shot from 5-yards closer. This time Jones made the kick and the Panthers led at the half 21-6.

Jones scored the final PCA touchdown in the third quarter with a reception from backup quarterback Cam Kieffer.

 When asked about kicking a field goal from a long distance but not attempting extra points, Powell laughed and said, “It’s more fun to go for two.” After a pause the PCA coach said, “We do it because it makes their defense work harder. And we will probably continue. I believe we come out better in the long run.”

The Panthers suffered one key injury when starting quarterback Jordan Peak went down with a shoulder injury.

PCA will begin region play next week on the road at Kingwood Christian.

Lowndes opens with win over Hooper

LOWNDESBORO – Anderson Casey scored two touchdowns and Chance Ward added 111 yards and a score to lead Lowndes Academy to a 28-7 victory over arch-rival Hooper Academy in the season opener Friday at Memorial Stadium.

Lowndes quarterback Hank McIntosh had a 6-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

James Cox had a 7-yard touchdown run for Hooper Academy in the second quarter. Thomas Harper had 70 yards on 19 carries.

Lowndes will play at Dixie Academy next Friday while Hooper opens its home schedule against Marengo Academy.