Comets defeat Panthers in quarterfinals;
host St. James in 2A semifinals Friday

In a game that had both teams saying "what if" the Comets came up with key play after key play on offense, defense and special teams and held off a talented Sterlington Panther team 17-12 in the 2A quarterfinals Friday night. With the victory the Comets return home to face the St. James Wildcats in the 2A semifinals Friday night in Dupuy stadium.

In Friday's game at Sterlington the Comets had numerous chances to take over the game in the first half but failed to turn turnovers into points letting the Panthers hang around in the game and setting the stage for a furious finish in the 4th quarter. Twice in the second quarter the Comets had chances to score touchdowns after going deep in Panther territory. But scoring threats ended with interceptions at the Panther one yard line and in the endzone keeping the score close at 10-6.

For the Panthers who turned the ball over 7 times in last year's semifinal matchup with the Comets it was more of the same with the 4 tunovers this time two fumbles and two interceptions by Comet defenders.

One the fourth play of the game Michael Macaluso of the Comets recovered a fumble on the Panther 42 yard line. The Comets converted the turnover into points 11 plays later on a one yard plunge by fullback Matt Walters. Chris Ilski's PAT put the Comets on top 7-0.

Sterlington answered the Comets score with a 80 yard 16-play time consuming drive fo their first touchdown. Runnning back Jimmy Douglas scored from 10 yards out. Corey Reed blocked the PAT keeping the Comets on top 7-6 with 9 minutes left in the second quarter.

The two teams traded turnovers with Jordan Millet's interception putting the Comets in business on the Panther 27 yard line late in the second quarter. The Comets moved the ball to the 11 yard line where Chris Ilski kicked a 28 yard field goal to put the Comets on top 10-6.

The two teams traded turnovers once again as David Matherne intercepted a Panther pass and returned it to the 25 yard line with only 41 seconds left before half. But the Comets returned the favor on an interception in the endzone.

Early in the third quarter Sterlington wide reciever Ahmad Paige fumbled and Nick Adams recovered for the Comets near midfield. Nine plays later Jonathan Cancienne scored on a one yard run. Ilski's PAT made the scored 17-6.

On the Panthers next possession they drove to their own 45 and facing a 4th and 6 tried a fake punt that netted only 5 yards thanks to heads up play by the Comets special teams. The Comets took over the ball and drove to the 28 yard line where a field goal attempt as no good.

Sterlington scored the games final touchdown on the first play of the 4th quarter when the speedy Paige got behind the Comets secondary and scored on a 58 yard touchdown reception from Panther quarterback Darren Sutton.

After that the Comet defense stiffened and the Panthers got no closer than their own 31 yard line the rest of the game. After a three and out on their next possession the Panthers punted the ball to the Comets with 6:45 remaining in the game.

The Comet offense took over on their own 36 yard line and moved the ball all the way to the Panther 10 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. The 14 play drive killed most of the remaining time in the game leaving the Panthers only 4 seconds for one last desparation play.

The Comet win spoiled the Panthers plans for "revenge" after they fell to the Comets 23-0 in last year's semifinal game played in Laplace.

Now the Comets must face district 10-2A and River Parish rival St James for the 4th time in two years. In the regular season the Wildcats trailed the Comets 9-3 going into the fourth quarter but rallied for two touchdowns and a 17-9 lead before denying the Comets a touchdown on the game's final play. Last year the Wildcats won 20-12 in the regular season before being ousted by the Comets 21-19 in the second round of the state playoffs.