Football Opens with 31-2 Win Over Flowery Branch

The Jackson County Panthers opened the football season with a 31-2 win over Flowery Branch on Friday night, a game that delayed over 90 minutes due to a heavy rain storm.

The Panthers jumped out to a 17-2 lead at halftime before the rain hit. Coming out of the delay, the Panthers managed two additional touchdowns and held the Falcons to no offensive production. 

RJ Knapp went 9-of-18 for 217 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions at quarterback for the Panthers. He was also the leading rusher with 59 yards on eight carries. Robert Spry led the Panthers with 85 receiving yards on four catches.

Knapp connected with Caden Daniels on a 36-yard touchdown pass to make the score 7-2 in the second quarter. A few minutes later, Knapp connected with Daylan Maxwell on a 27-yard touchdown before Carson Odom connected on a 32-yard field goal. 

Knapp connected Silas McDaniel on a pair of third-quarter touchdowns, 8-yard and 26-yard scoring plays. 

The Panthers (1-0) host the Jefferson Dragons (0-1) on Friday night in Panther Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. The gates will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale through GoFan.