Knox Central’s hopes of hosting a home playoff game came to an end on Friday after dropping a 67-38 decision to Wayne County at home.
The Panthers (4-4) spotted the Cardinals a 14-0 lead before fighting back to tie the game at 14 apiece but Wayne County responded with three consecutive touchdowns in the second quarter, and never looked back the remainder of the game during the win.
Wayne County took control of the contest early, as Antajuan Dumphord scored on a three-yard carry, giving the Cardinals a 7-0 lead just two minutes into the game.
A 42-yard touchdown run by Nathaniel Sullivan moved Wayne County edge to 14-0.
Knox Central’s Steve Partin answered on the Panthers’ ensuing drive with a one-yard touchdown run, making the score, 14-8 with 2:57 left in the first quarter.
Partin added another touchdown, a 34-yard run, tying the game at 14 apiece with 9:40 remaining.
Wayne County answered with three consecutive scores to take a commanding, 34-14, advantage into the locker room at halftime.
Dumphord hit Wesley Cares with a 31-yard touchdown pass while Sullivan scored on a 21-yard touchdown run. The Cardinals’ final score of the half was a 66-yard touchdown pass from Dumphord to Cares.
A 75-yard touchdown pass from Partin to Jacob Smith cut Knox Central’s deficit to 34-22 with 7:31 remaining in the third quarter.
The Cardinals answered with a 36-yard touchdown run by Dumphord and a safety to push its lead to 43-22 with 4:25 left in the third quarter.
Wayne County continues to hit stride on offense on its ensuing drive as Dumphord connected with Damon Hancock for a 23-yard score to give the Cardinals a 50-22 lead.
The Panthers tried to stay with the Cardinals behind Partin’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Smith and four-yard touchdown run by KT Turner but the damage had been done.
