WADLEY — The Lanett Panthers (3-0) squeezed out a 14-13 victory over Wadley (2-1) on Friday night.

“We have some things to work on offensively,” Lanett assistant football coach E.J. Webb said. “It was an ugly win, but it’s better than a loss.”

Lanett and Wadley was tied 7-7 at halftime. The matchup was the Panthers first region game of the season. 

Webb said that while Friday night was a big win to begin region play with a victory, the team has to shift its focus to the next game.

Webb said the offense struggled to convert one particular fourth and short and that Wadley’s defense forced Lanett to throw the ball all night. 

While Webb admitted that Lanett senior quarterback Kristian Story not being able to throw for majority of the offseason following surgery could have had an impact on his throwing early this season when asked after the game, he said he doesn’t want to use that as an excuse and he said the offensive staff has to take accountability and make things right moving forward.

Webb said that the defense had a great night, led by senior B.J. Smith, who had 14 solo tackles. Senior Eric McCants and Story also had stand out nights on defense as well, Webb said.

Lanett continues region play next week at home against Autauga.