Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wolves squash Panthers, 48-25

The Prescott Curley Wolves are headed for the next round of conference playoff after having soundly defeated the Yellville-Summit Panthers on Nov. 17. The Wolves will again have the home field advantage. Kickoff for the next game is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24.

The Wolves came onto the field loaded for serious competition and the Panthers simply couldnt seem to penetrate the Wolves defense, nor could they prevent the Prescott team from scoring. The Wolves began with unanswered back-to-back touchdowns, resulting in an early lead against the Panthers.

The Panthers kicked off at halftime. When Wolf quarterback Ben Smith made the pass to Prescotts Justin Marcum, Panther Tyler Sanders saw the opportunity to shut the Wolves down, but it wasnt soon enough and the Wolves had their first down. On the next play, Smith held the ball, crashing through the Panthers defense to make another Curley Wolf touchdown. With the extra point, the Wolves were ahead, 28-7.

As the Panthers took the ball, they were stopped mid-field. On the next play, the Panthers managed to reach their own 34-yard line before the Wolves intercepted the ball.

Over the next few plays, Panther Brandon Evans made two carries, putting the Panthers well on their way to their own goal line. On the next play, Prescott Curley Wolf Cruz Young made a tackle, though not soon enough to prevent another Panther first down. Prescott called for a time out, but whatever strategy they were discussing apparently didnt work and Panthers managed another touchdown.

Coming into the fourth quarter, Prescott made yet another touchdown, again widening their lead. The Panthers made a return push, but werent able to make their plays count for the yards they needed. Flags fell over the next plays as first the Panthers then the Wolves took penalties. The Panthers managed to push their line to within one yard of another Panther touchdown. The Wolves scrambled to hold the line, but it wasnt enough and the Panthers held the ball for the touch down, which brought the score to 35-19.

Prescott head coach Greg Smith said it was a combination of offense and defense each doing their jobs that resulted in the win.

We never lost control of the football, Smith said.

He cited the true playoff spirit of the Panthers.

They never gave up, Smith said.

Looking ahead to the Wolves next game, Smith said Mayflower is a team to be reckoned with. The Mayflower Eagles beat the Yellville-Summit Panthers, 6-0, in their conference play.

Offensively, theyre strong, Smith said, adding that the Eagles also have a talented defensive team.

He said that means the Wolves have their work cut out for them, but said the team will be ready when they take the field Friday night.