For a third straight year, Jefferson High’s football team made their way to the state Class B semifinals. And for the third year, that’s where the road ended.
The Panthers did an outstanding job in defeating Glasgow and Eureka, both on the road, in the first two weeks of the playoffs. But in the semifinal game on Nov. 11 in Manhattan, the Tigers pulled away in the second half for a 24-7 victory, ending Jefferson’s season a week too soon.
It was a windy and cool day, with no moisture, in Manhattan — as good as it gets for outdoor sports in Montana this time of the year. The Panthers received the ball to start, and on 3rd and 12 they picked up 7 yards but fell short of the first.
A great punt put Manhattan on its own six-yard line, and the Tigers couldn’t move the ball, punting on 4th and 10. The Panthers moved down the field, and on second and 9 Tyzer Zody picked up a first down to the Manhattan 12. From there, Jack Johnson ran in for a touchdown; the PAT good, and it was 7-0 Panthers with 3:16 left in the first.
Manhattan started up again on its own 35, and a long pass completion put the Tigers on the Panther 25. From there, it was a run to the one yard line then another run for a touchdown. The Tigers made the two-point try, making it 8-7 with 40 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Panthers returned the ensuing kickoff to their own 27, and on third and three Manhattan came up with a quarterback sack that forced the Panthers to punt. The defenses for both teams took over the rest of the half, and at the half Manhattan still clung to the 8-7 lead.
But that’s as close as Jefferson came this afternoon. Manhattan started the third quarter with a 75-yard pass play that was good for a touchdown. The Tigers went for two again and made it, leaving the score 16-7 with 11:01 to play in the third.
Facing a 4th and 5, the Panthers were forced to punt, giving Manhattan the ball on its own 19. Jefferson recovered a fumble, but then gave the ball right back on an interception. Manhattan fumbled again, the Panthers had possession on the 27.
The ball changed hands several times until Manhattan finally scored with 9:22 left in the game; another two-point try made it 24-7. Parker Wagner came up with a big defensive play when he knocked down a Manhattan pass — but the Panther season was done.
It was a great postseason for the Panthers. Going in as a number-four seed, they proved themselves one of the top four teams in Class B. A lot of the players will be back next year. for finishing in the top four in Montana class B football. Congratulations to Jefferson coaches and players for their continued success.
On to winter! Wrestling and basketball practices start Nov. 16. The wrestlers’ first action is on Dec. 1-2 when they travel to a tournament in Cascade. The varsity and JV basketball squads open their season Dec. 8-9 at a large tournament in Red Lodge.
