Timothy L. Hale
CHSR Editor & Publisher

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – The Chapel Hill Panthers overcame a 21-0 deficit in the first half but could overcome completely swing the momentum in their favor as the fell to the Northside, Warner Robins in the first round of the GHSA Class AAAAA state play-offs.

For a team that was picked by sportswriters in the Atlanta-metro area to finish in the bottom half of Region 4-AAAAA, the Panthers had a tremendous season, finishing 7-4 overall and 6-3 in the region – and their second straight state play-off appearance.

In a game that easily saw over 30 penalty flags littering the field, the Eagles jumped out to an early 21-0 lead with 4:11 left in the first half.

Trent White returns a 95-yard kick-off return for a touchdown against Northside, Warner Robins on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. (Alan Cordrey/Chapel Hill Sports Report)

Chapel Hill dug in their heels, answering 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.

The quick strike scoring by the Panthers quieted the previously loud and loyal Eagle fans.

But in the second half, the Eagles increased their lead to 35-14 on a 40 yard run by Travis Byrd at 8:29 mark in the third quarter.

Early in the game, it appeared the Eagles were going to roll through Chapel Hill in typical Region 1 fashion – line up and play smash-mouth football.

The Eagles scored on a 15 yard run by quarterback Briar Van Brunt, a 34 yard pass from Van Brunt to Quin Greene and a one yard Van Brunt keeper to jump out to a 21-0 lead.

Chapel Hill's Mike Covington tackles Northside's Briar Van Brunt on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. (Alan Cordrey/Chapel Hill Sports Report)

Despite the scoring, the Panther defense played hard and left it all on the field, pressuring Van Brunt and stopping O’Neill numerous times.

Of note was Harris, who stopped two Eagle kick-off returns that looked like sure touchdowns with both stops coming late in the second quarter.

Unfortunately for the Panther seniors, it was their last game. But for the underclassmen, especially those who have been with the program for the last two years, they have something to build on.

The Northside players, coaches and fans may not have known who Chapel Hill was before last night … but they sure know now.

Congratulations to the Chapel Hill Panthers on a fantastic season! Based on this year’s JV and 9th grade teams, the Panther faithful have much to look forward to next year.