Losing their second consecutive game by more than 15 points, the Long Beach Bearcats (2-3) fell to the Petal Panthers 52-14 on Friday at Lumpkin-Magee Stadium.
The Bearcats were trailing by just a touchdown after the first quarter before Petal (4-1) scored 38 more points compared to only one long touchdown by Long Beach.
“Our kids held their own for three quarters against a really good 7A program,” said Long Beach coach Jacob Massey. “We had some key injuries that limited us on offense and had some special teams miscues that gave them three extra processions. Those two things were what made the game get out of hand late in the third quarter.”
The 6A Bearcats were led by two explosive plays from quarterback Will Brady to wide receiver Andre Windham. Brady completed only two passes, but both were to Windham for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Long Beach safety Dylon Foxworth finished with 10 tackles and linebacker Tim West had two tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Long Beach, in its final non-region game, will play at South Jones (3-2) on Oct. 4.
The Bearcats have lost two of the three games played against the Braves. Their sole win was last year in a 35-34 victory at Long Beach.