The Lakeside Panthers continued their historic run this football season with a win over New Manchester 40-7 on Friday, Nov. 15.
The game was Lakeside’s first playoff appearance since 2021 and first postseason win since 2009. It was also Panthers Coach Steve Hibbits’ first career playoff win.
“It is just the run we’re on. That is what I’m focused on,” Hibbits said. “We set the goal that we want to be playing in December, and we knew if we could get there, we’d have a chance.”
Mikeal Grissom began the scoring early with a 90-yard touchdown run, pushing Lakeside ahead 7-0.
The Panthers had another opportunity to score to start the second quarter, but quarterback Ty Jones threw an interception in the endzone.
After failing on their first fourth down situation, Jaguars quarterback Delancy Alexander ran in a 6-yard touchdown to tie the game with 3:51 remaining in the first half.
Lakeside kicker William Brandenburg converted a 45-yard field goal to push the Panthers ahead 10-7 after the first half.
The running game kicked into full gear in the second half as Brandon Grissom extended the Panthers’ lead with a nine-yard rushing touchdown. Grissom ran in his second touchdown of the night on a three-yard run after a punt by New Manchester, pushing the Panthers ahead 24-7
Lakeside poured it on the Jaguars as they recovered the fumbled kickoff and Jones broke off for a 29-yard touchdown run.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Grissom added his third touchdown of the game and Lakeside took home the playoff win 40-7. The Panthers outscored the Jaguars 30-0 in the second half.
“I think it was just a mindset. We challenged the offensive line, they were struggling in the first half with running the ball and then I really just think our kids are really well conditioned and I like our chances, especially running the ball,” Hibbit said. “That was the big key, being able to run the ball.”
Hibbits praised some of his players, especially Grissom who had the three touchdowns.
“BJ – I don’t want to say he was unstoppable, but he was not going to be stopped by one person tonight,” Hibbits said.
Lakeside will host Houston County in the second round of the 5A Georgia High School Football State Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 22.
In Georgia, you could end up traveling two or three hours and that is big. I think that kind of travel wears on the kids, especially this time of year,” Hibbits said. “It is big, these fans, students section and everybody turning out in the community, it is awesome to see.”
Christopher Rickerson, an Augusta University graduate, has covered area sports for Augusta University, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News newsletter here.
