The Stone Memorial Panthers came up with a big football victory Friday night with a 16-0 win over White County in Crossville.
Not only was the win Stone Memorial’s sixth straight victory of the season, but it also gave the Panthers a 4-1 slate in the region and the No. 2 seed heading into the playoffs. SMHS will host Loudon Nov. 7.
“This was a very big win for us,” said Stone Memorial Coach Derik Samber. “It was a huge region game against a great opponent with huge playoff implications.
“I just couldn’t be more proud of the way our kids came out and took care of business tonight. We challenged them in the locker room before the game. It was one of those games where generally the tougher team is going to win, especially in the cold, wet conditions.”
With the win, Stone Memorial improves to 9-1 overall. White County falls to 7-3. Both teams advance to the playoffs with SMHS hosting Loudon and White County visiting Hixson Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Stone Memorial drew first blood Friday night when the Panthers converted after a missed White County field goal. SMHS went 80 yards on seven plays for a touchdown. Quarterback Noah Potter, Stone’s Mr. Football candidate, found Kadyn Page for a 4-yard scoring strike with 11:53 to go in the second period. The extra point was no good and the Panthers led 6-0.
The score remained 6-0 until the fourth quarter. Potter capped a 49-yard scoring drive with a 44-yard field goal to make it 9-0 with 6:19 to go in the game.
On White County’s ensuing possession, the Panthers recovered a Warrior fumble on the White County 21. Three plays later, Potter connected with Page again. This time, it was a 21-yard touchdown strike. Potter’s kick made it 16-0 with 4:11 to go in the game.
“White County has one of the better offensive lines we’ve faced all year, for sure,” Samber said. “But each and every one of our kids did their job last night. And that’s what it takes to play good defense and certainly to pitch a shutout against a good opponent.
“I couldn’t be more proud of those guys. And [defensive coordinator] Tanner Kirkland has done a great job. He’s been an assistant for eight years and got promoted to defense coordinator this offseason. I can’t say enough great things about the job he’s doing in preparing the kids.”
Samber said the Panthers have now turned their attention to the playoffs and Loudon High School.
“Every week is different in terms of challenges presented,” Samber said. “Every game tells its own story. Even though we’ve seen Loudon before, I guess it’s probably been six, seven weeks ago now. So teams, schemes, personalities of teams can change a lot over the course of six or seven weeks.
“Motivation should not be an issue for this game. This time of year, you’re in the postseason.
“That’s a privilege, a privilege our kids have earned. They’ve also earned the right and privilege to host this game.”