The Ridge Point Panthers are moving on to the 6A Region 3 Division I Quarterfinals, after a 55-44 win over the Atascocita Eagles improved their overall record to 8-2.
The Panthers struggled to score at the beginning of the game allowing the Eagles 14 unanswered points until dual-threat QB Bert Emanuel Jr. ran for a 19-yard touchdown. Making the score at the end of the first-quarter 14-7.
After the Panthers recovered a muffed punt, they capitalized off the Eagles turnover with a pass from QB Bert Emanuel to WR Micah Ceaser to tie the game at 14. Another touchdown by RB, and UNT commit, Keith Jackson pulled the Panthers ahead for the first time in the game 21-14 with 7:05 left in the half. The Eagles, however, would go on to score ten points before the half with a touchdown by WR Landen King and a field goal. The Eagles led the Panthers 24-21 at halftime.
The Panthers looked great on the opening drive of the second half with a great kick return by WR Marvin Session, a run by QB Emanuel Jr. to bring the Panthers to the Eagles nine yard line, and a strong run by RB Keith Jackson to get the Panthers in the end zone, bringing the score to 27-24 Ridge Point. The Panthers went on to score 13 more unanswered points with touchdowns by QB Emanuel Jr. and WR John Paul Richardson. The Panthers ended the third quarter with a 41-24 lead over the Eagles.
The Eagles didn't let up though. They went on to score on the first drive of the fourth quarter, closing the gap to 41-31. After a great kick return from Panthers' WR Richardson, the Eagles forced a turnover, creating another opportunity for the offense. The Eagles capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown to make the score 41-38. Another touchdown by Panthers' WR Richardson would pull the Panthers' lead to 48-38. Both teams will go on to score again making the final score 55-44 with the Panthers on top.
The Ridge Point Panthers ended the Atascocita Eagles season Saturday evening, and advance to the 6A Divison 1 Region 3 Quarterfinals. They will face off against the undefeated North Shore Mustangs at 2 P.M. on January 1, 2021, at Galena Park ISD Stadium.