Jackson Shoe The News Herald Sports Correspondent
Patton High School snapped a long drought Friday night, shutting out county rival Draughn 31-0 for the Panthers’ first home victory since 2021.
Behind a dominant defense and a powerful ground game, Patton controlled the game from start to finish to secure the statement win.
The opening quarter was a defensive battle as both teams traded punts, but the momentum shifted late in the period. A perfectly placed Patton punt pinned Draughn at its own two-yard line. On the next play, the Panthers recovered a fumble deep in Wildcats territory. Sophomore quarterback River McCrary capitalized moments later with a short touchdown run to make it 7-0 with 10:44 left in the second quarter.
Patton’s defense continued to wreak havoc, forcing Draughn int