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PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The Panama City Panthers fell 26-6 to the Columbus Storm in the APDFL championship game Saturday at Tommy Oliver Stadium.
Wide receiver Tre Holmes scored the Panthers' lone touchdown on a pass early in the first quarter to give Panama City a 6-0 lead. Columbus answered with a touchdown pass on fourth down and took a 7-6 advantage into the fourth quarter.
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The Storm scored 19 points in the fourth quarter, capping a 26-point unanswered run to secure their third consecutive APDFL championship.
The Panama City Panthers finished the season with a 7-4 record, capturing a conference championship and advancing to the league championship game in just the organization's second season.
Having the opportunity to play for this organization and represent a city I've called home for a little more than two years was a blessing and an incredibly rewarding experience.
Who would have thought that a sports reporter covering high school athletics at Tommy Oliver Stadium would one day suit up and play on that same field? I walked away from football in 2019 after high school, never imagining I'd get another chance to put my hand in the dirt, line up across from an opponent and hit someone at full speed.
Every collision filled a void I hadn't realized I'd been missing since moving to Panama City. With each game, I gained confidence not only as a player but also as a person.
It was a long season, and like any season, it came with its share of challenges. But the veteran leadership throughout the organization kept everyone moving in the same direction. That starts with owners Cassandra and Kim Faustin, along with general manager and coach Diezel Dennis and coach Ty Steele.
There are plenty of moments behind the scenes that people will never know about, but what this organization accomplished in such a short period of time is remarkable. It leaves you wanting more, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it.
To my teammates who may have played their final down Saturday, I will always be grateful for welcoming a young kid from Georgia and making me feel like family from day one. You helped me rediscover my love for football, and I know I've built friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.
The Panthers' journey isn't over. The team will compete in the Gridiron Developmental Football League this summer, with its season opener scheduled for July 11 against the Huntsville Rockets.
Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at [email protected] or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Panthers fall in APDFL championship game
Continue reading...
Wide receiver Tre Holmes scored the Panthers' lone touchdown on a pass early in the first quarter to give Panama City a 6-0 lead. Columbus answered with a touchdown pass on fourth down and took a 7-6 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Baseball star transfer Former Arnold ace Cooper Moss transfers to South Florida baseball
NBH Athletics HOF North Bay Haven names 26 to inaugural Buccaneer Legends class
The Storm scored 19 points in the fourth quarter, capping a 26-point unanswered run to secure their third consecutive APDFL championship.
The Panama City Panthers finished the season with a 7-4 record, capturing a conference championship and advancing to the league championship game in just the organization's second season.
A reporter's experience on the gridiron
Having the opportunity to play for this organization and represent a city I've called home for a little more than two years was a blessing and an incredibly rewarding experience.
Who would have thought that a sports reporter covering high school athletics at Tommy Oliver Stadium would one day suit up and play on that same field? I walked away from football in 2019 after high school, never imagining I'd get another chance to put my hand in the dirt, line up across from an opponent and hit someone at full speed.
Every collision filled a void I hadn't realized I'd been missing since moving to Panama City. With each game, I gained confidence not only as a player but also as a person.
It was a long season, and like any season, it came with its share of challenges. But the veteran leadership throughout the organization kept everyone moving in the same direction. That starts with owners Cassandra and Kim Faustin, along with general manager and coach Diezel Dennis and coach Ty Steele.
There are plenty of moments behind the scenes that people will never know about, but what this organization accomplished in such a short period of time is remarkable. It leaves you wanting more, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it.
To my teammates who may have played their final down Saturday, I will always be grateful for welcoming a young kid from Georgia and making me feel like family from day one. You helped me rediscover my love for football, and I know I've built friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.
The Panthers' journey isn't over. The team will compete in the Gridiron Developmental Football League this summer, with its season opener scheduled for July 11 against the Huntsville Rockets.
Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at [email protected] or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Panthers fall in APDFL championship game
Continue reading...
