For the first time in four years, the Simmons Blue Devils are not going to have an undefeated regular season.
It was a low scoring defensive battle between the two teams resulting in a final score of 8-6 in favor of the Amanda Elzy Panthers.
In their opening drive, halfway through the first quarter, Panthers’ junior quarterback Deontae Neal threw a touchdown pass to senior receiver and running back Dephabian Fant.
Simmons senior quarterback Ta’darrius Williams answered the Panthers with a 23-yard touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Jermaine Edwards.
The Blue Devils were unsuccessful on the 2-point conversion and the score was 6-8.
Simmons’ sophomore running back Vontrez Rush had 70 yards on 17 carries putting his offense in great position to score, as well as senior running back Joshua Altman with 9 carries and just north of 55 yards rushing.
However, both teams were scoreless going into the fourth quarter.
Just as Simmons was settling into an offensive rhythm, the Panthers’ junior defensive back, Charlie Ivory recovered a crucial fumble by Simmons’ on 4th and 4.With only 15 seconds left in the final quarter, the Blue Devils found themselves on 4th down with the ball on their own 29-yard line. In a make or break moment of the game, quarterback Ta’darrius Williams threw an interception into Panthers’ coverage and that sealed the 6-8 outcome of Simmons’ season opener.
“We knew Simmons had an outstanding football team. I’m not surprised by the score or by the outcome but I’m very impressed by the way Simmons competed at the end and they had an opportunity to win the game but things just fell our way and I’m grateful for that,” Amanda Elzy head coach Sheldon Hodge said.
