Timothy L. Hale
CHSR Editor & Publisher

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – The Northside, Warner Robins Eagles looked as if they were going to roll through, past and over the visiting Chapel Hill Panthers in the first half in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAA state playoffs.

The Eagles scored on a 21 yard run, a 34 yard pass and a one yard quarterback keeper to jump out to a 21-0 lead with 4:11 left in the first half.

But the Panthers dug deep and answered with a 95 yard kick-off return for a touchdown by Trent White after the Eagles last touchdown. James White converted the kick after and the Panthers were on the scoreboard 21-7.

On the Eagles next drive, Talik Pickering snagged an interception to give the Panthers the ball at their own 29.

The Panthers moved quickly on a long pass from White to A.J. Liddell down to the Eagle two yard line with 52 seconds left in the half.

White capped off the drive with a scramble-for-his life 2 yard touchdown. Harris again converted the point after with :08.4 seconds left in the half to cut the lead 21-14.

Of note was Harris, who stopped two Eagle kick-off returns in the second quarter.

The Panthers have returned from the locker room with a little more energy as they prepare to kick-off to Northside to start the second half.