The French Camp offense was clicking on all cylinders in a 48-13 victory over Vardaman that was even more one-sided than the final score. It was 48-0 after three quarters.The Panthers totaled 465 yards, 279 on the ground and 186 through air. And they did it on only 29 offensive plays.Quarterback C.J. Johnson had another outstanding performance. Despite sitting out most of the second half, he ran six times for 126 yards and two touchdowns and competed four of seven passes for 143 yards and two more TDs. He also caught two passes for 23 yards and had six tackles from his safety position,Johnson had plenty of help. Starting tailback Silas Hodge was lost for the season a week earlier with a broken collarbone against Hamilton. Rashawn Sayles stepped in, running for a touchdown on the game’s first play from scrimmage, and the offense didn't miss a beat.“We had to find another guy and he really did a great job,” said coach Nathan Wright. “He broke the opening play and went 68 yards for a touchdown. That’s always encouraging.”Sayles carried six times for 135 yards. Darrion Smith scored touchdowns on a 60-yard interception return and a four-yard reception, Coleman Mackenzie caught a 67-yard TD pass and Rob Surrette caught a TD pass, booted six PATs and had seven tackles.Smith’s interception came on a pass deflected by Surrette. “Darrion went and got it and took it home,” Wright said.Ethan Chesser took over at quarterback in the second half and threw TD passes to Surrette and Smith.The defensive effort was led by Landon Rushing with 12 tackles and Logan Campbell with three tackles for losses. Campbell played sparingly after missing the Hamilton game due to a positive test for COVID-19.Wright said two-way lineman Christian Howell also played well. He was credited with five tackles, one behind the line.French Camp improved to 5-3 overall and 5-2 in Region 2-1A. The Panthers have a four-game winning streak while outscoring the opposition 163-54.French Camp will conclude the regular season with a road game Friday against Smithville. The Seminoles are 2-6 and have been outscored 95-0 by Tupelo Christian and Nanih Waiya the last two weeks. Smithville only trailed Nanih Waiya 3-0 at the half. “I watched the film and they really got after them,” Wright said.Smithville defeated French Camp 27-7 last year, a game turned in the fourth quarter when Smithville scored touchdowns on a fumble return and an interception return. “All that happened late. It was a good game until that point,” Wright said.Although there is one game left in the regular season, the region's top four teams and their seedings for the playoffs have been determined. Two-time defending state champion Nanih Waiya is 7-0 in region play and has clinched the top seed. Tupelo Christian is second at 6-1, followed by French Camp and West Lowndes (4-3).French Camp will open the playoffs on the road Nov. 13 against the second place team from 1-1A. Unbeaten Biggersville has clinched first place. Baldwyn can take second with a victory over Myrtle Friday.If the Panthers are successful, they could meet Nanih Waiya in the second round. The Warriors will host the fourth place team from 1-1A, still to be determined, in the first round. French Camp's last loss was to Nanih Waiya, 35-14, Sept. 25.“We’d love to have another chance if it works out that way,” Wright said.If there is a rematch, French Camp would host.
