WINNSBORO — The Sterlington Panthers kicked off their season on a high note, defeating Franklin Parish 42-30 in a thrilling matchup on Thursday, September 3. This victory marks the beginning of Sterlington's quest for a three-peat in the Division III nonselect category, a feat they have yet to accomplish.
Having previously secured back-to-back championships, the Panthers have now moved up to Division II nonselect, where they faced a formidable opponent in Franklin Parish, a team that finished in the top 10 last season. The Patriots, who narrowly lost in the second round of the playoffs to Lutcher, were expected to be a tough challenge with their standout players, including senior running back Trey Martin, an LSU commit, and junior DJ Neal.
Despite the Patriots' strong lineup, Sterlington was able to maintain control of the game. Martin showcased his talent by scoring four touchdowns, keeping the pressure on the Panthers. However, a crucial pick-six by junior Keenen Green ultimately sealed the victory for Sterlington, showcasing the team's resilience in high-pressure moments.
Senior running back Devyn Downs, who is also committed to LSU for baseball, highlighted the depth of Sterlington's roster, mentioning fellow seniors JRob Breen, TJ Burch, and Shermarion Dismuke, along with junior Landon Washington. Downs emphasized the importance of teamwork and the significant contributions from the offensive line, which played a pivotal role in their success. "Our O-line played their butts off. So we just competed and matched up well against them," Downs stated.
In the early stages of the game, Sterlington wasted no time, scoring on their first offensive play with a 70-yard touchdown pass from Breen to Downs. This early momentum set the tone for the Panthers, who continued to capitalize on their ground game throughout the match. Burch and Downs both contributed significantly, with Burch eventually scoring the go-ahead touchdown that shifted the momentum in favor of Sterlington.
Coach Lee Doty praised his team's defensive efforts, particularly in managing the threat posed by Martin. Despite allowing a long run, Doty commended the execution of their game plan. The Patriots introduced a new quarterback in sophomore Chad Allen, who performed admirably, throwing two touchdown passes and making critical plays during the game.
Franklin Parish had its moments, including a spectacular catch by senior Kaiden Seals in the back of the end zone, which briefly gave them the lead. However, missed opportunities, including failed two-point conversions, ultimately hindered their chances of victory. Doty acknowledged that while his team made mistakes, they also demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Looking ahead, the Panthers are set to host Jena for their home opener, aiming to replicate last fall's success when they defeated the Giants 34-20 in the championship game. Doty noted the importance of recovery, as injuries have taken a toll on the team. "We’ve got to get healthy. We’re banged up really bad, and I’m kind of glad we played this thing on Thursday night. It gives us an extra day of rest," he said. Sterlington will focus on recovery and preparation as they continue their journey in pursuit of another championship.
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