Ethel's two-game winning streak to begin the season came to a crashing halt with a 36-6 loss to French Camp Academy Friday.
Coach Adam Smith did not mince words.
“It was a bad game on all accounts. We weren't ready to play. Had a couple of questionable calls by the referees. Once French Camp got up by a couple of scores, we kind of packed it in and shut it down for the night,” said the coach.
Behind the play of senior quarterback Cody Perry, French Camp outgained Ethel better than two to one, 366-169. Perry completed six passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns and ran eight times for 108 yards and one TD. Silas Hodge, with 19 carries for 102 yards and one TD, and Rob Surrette, with three receptions for 87 yards and two TDs, were also a factor for the Panthers.
Ethel had 156 yards on the ground, but only 13 through the air. Marcus Jones ran 21 times for 77 yards and Bobo Hubbert five times for 49 yards, including a 37-yard run that was the Tigers' longest play from scrimmage.
Down 6-0 at the half, Ethel tied the score on a 57-yard punt return by Kentrell Dotson in the third quarter. But after that, it was all French Camp as the Panthers improved to 2-0 in Region 3-1A, half a game behind West Lowndes. Ethel is 1-1.
Despite the loss, Smith said Jones, Anton Clark, Cyrus Rone, and Davion Hunt played really hard. “They didn't give up on me. I'm especially proud of them for their effort throughout the four quarters,” said Smith.
Ethel will continue region play Friday with a home game against Hamilton.
“They're going to be another tough district game,” Smith said. “They have a running back (Ryekelian Howard) who is pretty good. They have a couple of big receivers and they have some big offensive and defensive linemen.
“We're going to have to come out and play a lot better this week if we are going to get another district win on the board.”
Smith said the outcome will be crucial to the Tigers' chances of making the playoffs. Four of the region's eight teams will qualify for the post season.
Hamilton is 1-4, the only win coming against McAdams. The Lions are 0-2 in the region, including a 21-7 loss to French Camp 21-7.
