Panthers gain early success in 2011 The Clay players’ lives.” County Panthers The two teams had met on the are walking a litfield 100 previtle taller as they ous times beapproach the secfore the final ond half of the meeting on 2011 football seaSeptember 23, son. It may be and the irony because they beat of the outcome their long-time was the first rival Lineville 7-6 game ended in the final Clay with Lineville Bowl on Septemon top 7-6. ber 23, or it could “It was a fitbe they knocked ting end to a off defending fantastic ristate champion valry,” Herron Leeds two weeks said. “The fans earlier. Clay County knocked off defending state and region champions Leeds earlier got a nail biter “We have had this season. The Panthers look to make a run in the Alabama High School to the end, but some great highs Athletic Association Class AAA state playoffs. (Photos by Kelly Caldwell) we took the so far this seaweekend to enjoy it, but son,” Clay County Coach we have the rest of the Kris Herron said. “But, we season to focus on now.” have had our share of Unless something haplows, too.” pens beyond their conThe Panthers’ only loss trol, the Panthers will not came at the hands of have a region title this Handley, a team currently season; however a state at the top of Region 3 and title is still within reach. ranked No. 3 in Class 3A. “We have to continue to “We have a great improve every week and group of guys that are work on the things we really playing well tocan control,” Herron said. gether,” Herron said. “We still have four region The 4-1 Panthers (at games left in the regular midseason) have the tools season and then playoffs to succeed considering begin. they have outscored their “We want to win the rest of our opponents 132-47. While the win games so that we can host the first over Lineville didn't count as far as round of the playoffs.” region standings go, it was a game Story by Kelly Caldwell Clay County closes region play of pride for not only the current October 21 on the road against Cenplayers but the entire Ashland comtral, Coosa. before game time. munity as well. “We have our work cut out for “It wasn't the best game as far as “The Clay Bowl is always big, us, but our guys are playing well football fundamentals are conbut this year it was huge. We got to together and hopefully we will concerned, but it was a battle that will enjoy the atmosphere early in the tinue to improve and stay healthy.” be remembered for the rest of these day but we had to regain our focus
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