Panthers suffer first region loss in nailbiter

The football team suffered its first defeat in Region 8-AAAAA play at Grayson on Sept. 26. Brandon Jacobs tried to rally the team back, but his one touchdown was not enough, as the Panthers fell 24-22. Last Friday, the team hosted Central Gwinnett and Jacobs rushed for over 200 yards and notched three touchdowns in a big Panthers win, 45-13. Seven different running backs got touches in the Panthers’ victory. The Panthers will play at Dacula on Friday. … The softball team ended its regular season with a 20-7 record. In Game 1 of the Region 8-AAAAA Tournament, Jordan DeArmon earned the win with five strikeouts in seven innings, as the team beat Shiloh 4-1. Desirae Thomas had two hits while Sara Coker had two RBIs. … The volleyball team, who is ranked No. 10 in the GA Coaches’ Poll, has been on fire of late, winning 11 of its last 12 contests. The only loss came in the Gwinnett County Championship semifinals to eventual champ Wesleyan. The Lady Panthers swept South Gwinnett and Brookwood last week and now sit at 22-11. Libby Lukens recorded 14 assists and Lauren Coleman was an assassin with 10 kills.