The Lumberton Panthers (8-2, 5-0 in Region 4-1A) claimed their second consecutive region title with a win over Stringer Friday, so it was nice, relaxing weekend for the Lumberton coaches and players, right?
Sort of.
“We enjoyed Saturday, but us as coaches, we got back to work (Sunday),” Lumberton coach Zach Jones said. “Even though we have the division title wrapped up, we still have Salem to end the season. We need to end the season on a good note.”
The Panthers host a winless Salem team Friday night to end their regular season, so it’s a good opportunity to build even more momentum heading into another playoff run. Since it’s senior night, Jones said there will be a lot of emotion in the air, too.
“I think we understand that we can’t just go out and show up, but we have to show up and play,” he said. “I say this every week and I’m sure people get tired of hearing it, but we’re focusing on us. It’s going to be no different this week, and if we do what we’re supposed to do, we’re going to have a chance to win. That’s the same attitude we’ve had for the last couple of years, so we’re going to keep it going.”
Senior Davion Edwards will be one of many seniors playing his final regular-season home game in a Lumberton uniform, although the Panthers are guaranteed at least one home game in the playoffs. Edwards, who had 14 tackles on defense last week, served as the closer on offense.
After freshman running back, Robert Henry, ran effectively the entire game, using his speed and quickness, the big-bodied Edwards rushed the ball six times for 40 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter and put Lumberton up 30-18.
It proved to be the dagger.
“He came in during a big time for us, got a couple of runs for a first down and busted a touchdown for us to put us up two scores,” Jones said. “We expect that out of him. That’s the thing about him, he is really light on his feet. He’s not the fastest in a straight line, but he’s really light and quick on his feet. He uses that to his advantage and he also uses that 235-pound frame to run over you. He’s a really good complement (to Henry).”
Henry carried the load for the offense, however, with 26 carries and 148 yards. Jones said he’s come along way since starting the season as an unproven freshman. The offensive line deserves a lot of the credit, too, Jones said.
“He’s played 10 ballgames now so he’s played a full varsity season and he’s getting better,” Jones said. “Watching the film you can really see it and appreciate what he’s doing. The offensive line has done a lot better job blocking, too, and my hat is off to those guys. The last two weeks we’ve played probably the best two defenses in the region and we’ve really moved guys around and opened holes for him.”
The Salem defense has given up a ton of points this season, 43 points per game as a matter of fact. But, it’s the Salem offense that worries Jones. While the Wildcats aren’t scoring a ton of points, as they’ve been held to less than 10 points in the last three games, Jones thinks they’ll pull out all of the stops in the season finale.
The Salem offense can switch from the wishbone to the spread offense, too.
“They’ll do both, and with this being the last game, I expect anything from them,” Jones said. “I know they want to end on a good note and try to come over here to get a win. I know they’re going to pull out all of the stops, so we’re going to have to prepare for everything.”
