The Eastbrook Panthers came out with an action-packed win over Alexandria-Monroe in a hard-fought 34-24 game.
Former wide receiver Devin Stupples attended the game to see his friends back in action.
“It’s a little weird now because I feel like such an outsider, but it feels like yesterday that I was playing on that field with my friends,” Stupples said. “I love that I can still watch the football team play with my family.”
In the first quarter, both Eastbrook and Alexandria-Monroe came out swinging on offense. The Tigers struck first on the opening kickoff, returning it to the Panthers' five-yard line. After one play, the score was 7-0.
The Panthers retaliated when Bodie Howell scooped up the football and brought it all the way to the end zone. After only 30 seconds, the score was 7-7.
The Tigers began their second drive from the 30-yard line, but the Panthers’ defense came to play. Alexandria-Monroe was stuffed on back-to-back runs. On third down, the Tigers’ quarterback, Brady Gast, launched a pass to one of his receivers, but the play was broken up by defensive end Jacob McDermit.
Eastbrook’s offense ran back onto the field following the Tigers’ ensuing punt. Starting from their own five-yard line, Howell made a jumping pass to midfield, which a Panther brought down for the completion. He followed that up with a six-yard rush and a short pass to get the touchdown in a three-play drive.
Down seven, the Tigers began their third drive of the game with two short runs. Gast then made a 12-yard pass to senior wide receiver Mason Fuller for the first down. Alexandria-Monroe showed the versatility of their offense, combining runs and passes to make their way toward the Panther 10-yard line. The Tigers’ Langdon Ashby juked his way in to score and tie up the game.
The second quarter started with multiple defensive plays. The Tigers stunted an Eastbrook attempt to move the chains on fourth down, but the Panthers turned around and intercepted a deep pass from Gast to regain possession. Panthers running back Curtis White was stopped short on multiple rushes on the following possession. After the team recovered its own fumble, Howell was forced to make a play on a third and long. He was able to connect with one of his receivers for an eight-yard gain.
Alexandria-Monroe fought into their backfield and forced a fourth down at the 40-yard line. Howell, once again, stepped up and converted with a receiver on an out route. With the momentum in their favor, the Panthers took it to the house to go up 21-14.
Then it was the Tigers' offense to turn up. With the first half coming to a close, the Tigers went deep midway through their drive and connected with wide receiver Will Rowland to push the line of scrimmage to the Panthers’ 30. A catch by senior Joe Aimen brought Alexandria-Monroe to Eastbrook’s 14-yard line. Just before halftime, the Tigers push through two penalties from the referees and get the touchdown.
The score going into the third quarter was 21-21. The Tigers’ defense came out with a burst of energy, pushing the Panthers to a third and 26 on the opening drive, quickly forcing a punt. Alexandria-Monroe made a run for the end zone, stringing together long passes and rushes, but they were stopped near midfield.
On their second drive of the half, the Panthers utilized senior running back Ryder Gibson for multiple successful rushes. But the Tigers’ defense was able to squash the run game, forcing another third-down situation. Howell didn’t back down. He caught the snap and spun out of the pocket, scanning the field. With two linemen chasing him, he leaped and threw a bullet pass to McDermit for the first down.
Despite the energy pumping from the crowd, the Tigers, led by freshman Cannon Runyan, forced a punt from Eastbrook.
The third quarter ended with both Gast and Howell attempting to spark their offenses with chunk plays downfield, but the defense broke them up each time.
The pressure was on with both teams tied with 12 minutes remaining. Alexandria-Monroe continued their game plan of a balanced offense. They made their way down the field in a statement drive that ended with a field goal and the lead.
Down three with eight minutes left, Eastbrook remained calm. Howell connected with a receiver to bring them to the 47-yard line. A successful run by Gibson pushed the defense back to the 19-yard line.
The Panthers’ momentum was cut short by a holding call and a false start on consecutive plays. Pushed back 15 yards and out of field goal range, the Tigers’ defense continued to stop the run game and force a punt.
The Panthers’ defense held and gave their offense another chance with five minutes left on the clock. On their second play of the drive, Gibson broke through the line and took the ball to the end zone for a 37-yard touchdown, giving Eastbrook a 28-24 lead.
Alexandria-Monroe tried to answer, but Eastbrook stopped them short. With only a minute left in the game, the Panthers intercepted a pass from Gast and turned it into seven more points.
The fans roared from the stands as the Eastbrook marching band blasted their fight song. The Panthers came out victorious. For Stupples, he got to relive some of his high school days.
