Newberry Panthers Class 1A Title Dreams Begin in Pahokee

The Newberry Panthers (8-1) open up the Class 1A Playoffs in Pahokee (10-0) Friday night at 7:30.

The Panthers enter the tournament with an 8-1 overall record.  The Panthers, behind first-year head coach Richard Vester, have prided themselves on improving from week to week.

Building Off Last Week

Newberry is coming off their most dominant win of the season, as they defeated Taylor County 60-22.  The Panthers were able to put it all together against the Bulldogs scoring two defensive touchdowns and rushing for six.  Offensively, the Panthers were led by senior running back Jacquez Jernigan. Jernigan rushed for 250 yards on 23 carries and scored four touchdowns.  Jernigan has been the offensive leader all season for the Panthers, rushing for 1230 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns.

SIXTY PIECE….WITH FRIES

#4 Newberry Panthers 60
Taylor County Bulldogs 22

FINALhttps://t.co/BCPEFdnnQC #FLgridiron pic.twitter.com/NGkjhlPygi

— Florida Gridiron Preps (@FLgridironpreps) November 5, 2016

Coach Vester said that his Panthers team will be able to take a lot away from last week’s win versus Taylor County, as their speedy style of play is much like that of Pahokee’s.

Ready For This Week

Rushing won’t be as easy for the Panthers this weekend as they face the undefeated Pahokee Blue Devils. Head Coach Richard Vester knows the speed Pahokee presents on both sides of the ball may cause problems for his physically-minded Panthers team.  Although, Newberry hopes their physical style of play will be enough to get the win this weekend.

On paper, the Panthers know they are going to be in for a defensive battle.  The Panthers have only allowed 110 points to be scored on them this season versus the 137 allowed by the Pahokee Blue Devils.

Points may be at a premium Friday night in the Muck, but Vester knows his team will be ready for the challenge.