The Paint Branch Panthers hosted the Sherwood Warriors for the second time this season, and this time the stakes were significantly higher: playoff advancement.  While the first meeting was back-and-forth for much of the first half, this time the Panthers left no doubt who the better team is with a dominant 42-7 win over the Warriors.  Senior quarterback Gaston Cooper led the way with five touchdown passes and 370 total yards of offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers shut down the Warriors’ offense, especially the running game, which they knew would determine the game’s outcome.  “We knew what to expect from Spottswood,” said junior linebacker Sam Stewart.  “He’s one of the best running backs we faced all season, so shutting him down was the key for us to get the win.”

Paint Branch struck first, halfway through the first quarter, with a 9-yard touchdown pass to senior Javan Grafton from Cooper.  Sherwood responded with a Nevon Sussman-to-Chris Minor touchdown pass to tie it at 7.  The Panthers capped the first quarter scoring, as Cooper scored on a quarterback sneak, to finish the scoring in the quarter and stake the Panthers to a 14-7 lead.

The second quarter could not have gone any more in favor of the Panthers as three touchdown passes, two to senior Javonn Curry and another one to Grafton, took the lead to 35-7. Sherwood quarterback Sussman exited the game with a separated shoulder during the quarter, which forced the Warriors to insert junior Michael Zarrelli into the game.  Zarrelli struggled to keep the passing game going, and senior running back Elijah Spottswood struggled running the ball, as the Panthers shut him down in the quarter and for the game as he put up only a below-average 20 yards on 11 carries.

Paint Branch would add another touchdown to the scoreboard in the third quarter with another connection between Cooper and Grafton to complete the scoring at 42-7.

With this playoff victory, the Panthers now set their eyes on Perry Hall this Friday at home for the regional championship.