By Scott Sickler

Times-News Sports Editor

LANETT — After dispatching Tanner by a 41-8 score in the first-round of the AHSAA 2A state playoffs last week, the unbeaten and No. 2-ranked Lanett Panthers (11-0) will host Sand Rock (9-2) in second-round Friday at 7 p.m. CT at Morgan-Washburn Stadium.

Now in his ninth season at Lanett and the dean of local coaches, Clifford Story, a former standout quarterback at LaFayette and Jacksonville State, leads the talent-laden Panthers. “Sand Rock is a well-coached team,” Story said. “They are physical and huge across the front. We have to execute in all phases of the game. We must gang tackle on defense and play fast on offense. We’ll need a complete game to win. I like the way we’re playing, it’s good football, and I will take my Panthers all day and twice on Sunday.”

Quarterback Kristian Story has enjoyed a brilliant first-season as the full-time starter. He’s completed 99-of-150 passes for 2,693 yards and 30 TD strikes.

Terrion Truitt has 23 TDs rushing and receiving, Anquaveious Pollard has tallied 21 receptions for 649 yards and eight TDs, Juwan Howell has rushed for 706 yards on 93 carries and four TDs and Trikweze Bridges has 17 receptions for 537 yards. On defense, Bridges has recorded six interceptions and has 24 career INTs.

Baraskious Dowdell, Braylon Harrington, Keavis Sands, Jarren Ross and Dee Dobbs have all had great seasons. Lanett’s team defensive play is one the main reason why fans, players and coaches alike think the Panthers can win the 2A state title. They have been terrific and when they needed to shut a team down, they have done so in impressive fashion. Lanett has recorded 32 interceptions and rung up 41 sacks. That’s championship style team defense.