Bad second half spoils Royals season debut.

From BleckleyProgress.com

High School Sports
Bad second half spoils Royals season debut.
By Dave Whitaker
Aug 19, 2017, 02:08

The Royals are fired up running onto the field.

After months of anticipation, it was time for Royals football. The Von Lassiter era officially began Friday night against perennial Class A power Clinch County.

Nykeem Farrow tries to stay in bounds going down the sideline.

Things got off to a tough start as the Panthers recovered a Royal fumble at midfield. Converting a fourth and 2 at the BC 30, they took the lead on a touchdown pass with 5:23 left in the first. A Torenio Davis four-yard touchdown catch with 4:54 left in the second tied the score.

The student section offered support all night.

Landon Grizzard forced a fumble on the next series. BC recovered on the Panther 20. Bryce Bailey caught Zach Lassiter's second touchdown pass of the game, an 18-yard strike, giving the Royals a 14-7 lead. With under two minutes left in the half, Clinch reached the BC 21 thanks to a pass interference call.

Jack Fernandez pulls in a catch.

After stopping the Panthers on fourth and 2 from the 17, Clinch kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired to draw within 14-10 at halftime. In the third, Bleckley fumbled at their own 29. Clinch would take the lead on a touchdown run with 8:19 left. A Royal interception on the next possession started the Panthers on their own 38.

Andrew Butler helps on a tackle.

Clinch drove to the BC four and scored to go up 24-14. They got another interception on the next possession but were backed up via a personal foul. The drive stretched into the fourth and was aided by a Royal personal foul. On fourth and one from the BC 15, Clinch scored.

Touchdown Club President Britt Stewart presented a game ball to Woody Butts, owner of WOW Custom Trailers, for their sponsorship of the game.

Though the point after was blocked by Grizzard, Clinch led 30-15. A short kicked ensuing kickoff was recovered by the Panthers on their 49. It was capped by another touchdown run with 1:43 left as the Royals lost 37-14. Davis caught four passes for 58 yards. Nykeem Farrow had 56 all purpose yards, 39 rushing, 17 receiving.

Torenio Davis makes a leaping tackle.

Lassiter was 10 of 15, 115 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions. Justin Rozier had six solo tackles. Grizzard and DeMarcus Smith each had 5.5 tackles (five solo, one assist.)

Arkensio Hayes and Justin Rozier team up on a stop.