Play improves, but Panthers still short

By Rex Kirts

Going on the road to take on a tough Conference Indiana opponent like Pike is good challenge, and South competed better than it has in some games this season.
But the Panthers still came up short, 22-0, to fall to 1-6 overall and 1-5 in the conference.
They've got two chances to build a winning momentum before the sectional, hosting Columbus North this week and traveling to Perry Meridian for the final regular season game. Both games, of course, will be difficult challenges for a team that has struggled to put the pieces together.
At Pike, the Panthers moved the ball decently on the ground but couldn't bust enough big gainers against the swift Red Devils (5-2, 4-1). The passing game was minimal, except for a 43-yard strike to the Pike 22 late in the third quarter. The defense held a few times despite a few tackling problems.
THE END ZONE was elusive, in large part because the Panthers constantly started drives deep in their own territory. They started one drive at their 39-yard line, but the rest were from their 24 or worse.
"Field position was a factor," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "Their kicking game was outstanding."
He liked it that the Panthers played hard throughout, but he didn't like the mistakes. The feeling was the same Saturday morning after he watched the tape.
"We had a loat of critical mistakes, but I can't fault our kids' effort. We established some drives, made some stops. So in the big picture the effort was better."
The Panthers had 11 first downs and 191 total yards while Pike had 16 and 265.
Pike, however, had the luxury of picking up a fumble by quarterback Michael Bower and returning it 51 yards for a touchdown and 15-0 halftime lead
Pike also had an effective passing game with 19 completions in 28 attempts for 193 yards.
Pike's first play from scrimmage, though, was a bomb that sophomore safety Nolan Rogers intercepted.
ROGERS AND JUNIOR TRAE WASHINGTON led the South rushing game. Washington carried 17 times for 58 yards and Rogers 12 for 45. Bower added 40 net yards in 13 carries, gaining a few yards on keepers around end in the second half.
It was Washington's season-high in carries, and he managed several extra yards after first contact.
"It was kind of new," Washington said of all the carries. "The whole line was blocking - I had holes. It was fun."
Unable to get receivers open and a passing game going or gaining ground outside with the rush, Kennedy admitted the Panthers "didn't have a lot of wiggle room" offensively.
The inside running game was productive, however. "We moved the ball some, did some things that were positive," Kennedy said.
Offensive highlights included drives of 32, 47 and 61 yards.