Three big plays – a penalty, a fumble and an interception -- went against French Camp, resulting in a 27-7 loss to Smithville in the Panthers final football game of the season.
“We had a penalty that really hurt us. A questionable targeting call,” said coach Nathan Wright.
Starting tailback Phillip Caradine was flagged for targeting while playing linebacker in the second quarter with the game scoreless. “They ejected him quickly. There was really nothing we could do about it,” Wright said,
At the time of his ejection, Caradine had six carries for 21 yards after going over the century mark in the previous two games. With Caradine sidelined, the Panthers offense became almost totally dependent on quarterback C.J. Johnson. He ran 27 times for 161 yards and completed five passes for 53 yards.
“C.J really stepped up. He carried the ball when we needed it,” Wright said.
Smithville scored a touchdown just before halftime for a 7-0 lead. The Panthers put together a drive in the third quarter, moving inside the Smithville five. But a fumble was picked up and run back inside the French Camp five, setting up the Seminoles’ second touchdown.
“That killed us. All they had to do was make a two-yard run to score. It was 14-0 instead of 7-7,” Wright said.
Smithville’s next touchdown came on an interception return before French Camp finally scored on a run by Johnson.
“We owned the football all night,” Wright said. “It really was anyone’s game until the fourth quarter.”
The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for French Camp. The Panthers finish 3-8 and 3-5 in Region 2-1A for sixth place in the nine-team region,
Despite the win, Smithville failed to qualify for the 1A playoffs. The Seminoles finish 8-3 and 5-3 in the region in a three-way tie for third with Tupelo Christian and West Lowndes. Due to point differential in games between the three teams, Tupelo Christian is third and West Lowndes fourth, with both making the playoffs, and Smithville fifth.
Defending state champion Nanih Waiya won the region and Noxapater is second. The playoffs begin Friday.
