Panthers dominate first half as Raiders fall 59-13

By JAMES LINE
The Trimble Banner

Dave Taylor

Trimble's offensive line runs interference for senior fullback Trent Taylor as he gains yardage during Friday's home game with Carroll County. Trimble struggled offensively in the first half but put two touchdowns on the scoreboard late in the contest.

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Dave Taylor

Raider senior defensive lineman Brody Gosman (70) makes a stop on Carroll County quarterback John Michael Adams (22) during the first half of play in Friday's game won by the Panthers 59-13.

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In an eagerly anticipated game between two close rivals, the Carroll County football team defeated the Trimble County Raiders 59-13 on Friday, Oct.19.

The Raiders faced an onslaught of tough offensive plays from the Panthers, as Carroll scored two touchdowns by John Michael Adams and Tyshaun Embs minutes after kickoff, 13-0.

The atmosphere was as intense as the night’s cold temperatures. The Panthers continued their drive to the end zone and racked up another three touchdowns – one apiece for Adams and Embs and an interception return for a score by Zach Birch –, bringing the score to 33-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Carroll continued their victorious streak into the second period as well, as Zach McBurney scored on a three-yard rumble, and Embs broke away for an 80-yard and a 40-yard TD run.

The Raiders, energized after the bruising setbacks of the first half, “really pulled it together,” in the words of Trimble County’s head coach Justin Franklin in the second half.

The Panthers refused to let up, however, as Embs drove home another rushing touchdown in the third quarter.

By the fourth quarter, the Raider offense had finally managed to combat its opponent on the scoreboard. Tevin Taylor made a series of bold runs, and Bo Hawkes ran 20 yards for a Raider touchdown, followed by a successful PAT by Trent Taylor. With minutes left in the game, Trimble’s Wyatt Atkins capitalized on Hawkes’ gains and scored a 41-yard touchdown, leaving the final score at 59-13.

Franklin reminded his team that he was proud of their performance and praised their surprising comeback in the game’s final minutes.

The Panthers (6-3) will finish their season on the road at Dayton Friday, Oct. 26, while the Raiders (1-8) will play their last home game against Kentucky Country Day.

Kristin Sherrard contributed to this article.