Lanett stuns No. 1 Luverne, advances to 2A semifinals
BY ROB DAVIS
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LANETT — The Lanett Panthers are one win away from playing for the state 2A championship after knocking off the previously unbeaten Luverne Tigers 35-16 Friday night at Glenn Daniel Stadium in Luverne.
Trailing 16-14 at the half, the Panthers defense stifled the Tigers offense in the second half as the Lanett offense came alive and added three more touchdowns.
“Our discipline and conditioning really showed itself in the second half,” Lanett head football coach J.R. McDonald said. “I’m just super proud of the way our boys hung in there and fought all night.”
Anchored by their dominant offensive line and the running of Nadarious Morgan, the visiting Panthers relied on their ground game to carry them to the 2A semifinals.
“Nadarious had a heck of a night,” McDonald said. “He ran hard all night and our offensive line was dominant. Tonight was a total team victory.”
The game was scoreless until late in the first quarter when Luverne’s Kane Smith capped a 15-play drive with a one-yard run for the touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave the home team a 8-0 lead. However, Lanett quickly responded as Ja’Quez Johnson returned the kick for the Panthers first score. The extra point was good to make it a one point game going into the second quarter.
Luverne extended their lead with 7:52 remaining in the first half. Taking advantage of a Panthers fumble, Tavion Rainey scored what would prove to be the Tigers last touchdown of the game. With just 13 seconds remaining in the second quarter a touchdown by Fred Broughton and an extra point kick brought the Panthers to within two points at the half.
“I told our guys at the half to just keep playing hard,” McDonald said. “Stay disciplined and trust our gameplan and good things will happen.”
McDonald’s words came to fruition in the second half as the Panthers completely dominated the final two quarters. While the Panthers offensive line continuously opened holes for Morgan to run through, the Lanett defense completely shut down the Luverne offense.
Morgan added two long touchdown runs in the second half to seal the victory over the number 1 seed Luverne Tigers. The Panthers will face Reeltown this Friday with the winner advancing to the 2A state championship game.
