Ridge Point stepped into the postseason carrying the weight of an undefeated record and showed no signs of slowing down. The Panthers leaned on toughness, timely offense, and a bruising defensive showing to grind out a 21 to 16 win over Dawson on Thursday night, moving to 11 and 0 and keeping their championship dreams intact.
Akins Pounds the Rock, Bartee Delivers the Air Attack
Ridge Point’s offense mixed power and precision throughout the night. Running back Aiden Akins anchored the ground game with 107 yards and a touchdown, carving out big chunks when the Panthers needed to settle into a rhythm.
Quarterback Brody Bartee complemented him with a poised performance through the air. Bartee connected for 173 yards and two touchdown passes on just 15 attempts, taking full advantage of Dawson’s defensive gaps when they crept up to stop the run.
Panthers Win the Trenches
Ridge Point’s defensive front dictated much of the contest. Dawson’s run game never found its footing, averaging only 3.2 yards per carry against a relentless Panthers front. Linebacker Dyllon Bennett was the centerpiece of that effort, piling up 11 tackles, forcing a fumble, and breaking up a pass while constantly disrupting Dawson’s timing.
When Dawson tried to move the ball through the air, Ridge Point brought the heat. The Panthers recorded three sacks, splitting credit between Kenny Ezeji and Treylon Fleming, while Bennett and company closed in from every angle.
Staying Perfect
The Panthers stretched their unbeaten mark to 11 and 0, continuing a season defined by explosive offense and suffocating defense. While Thursday’s matchup was tighter than many of their regular season wins, Ridge Point showed the ability to grind through a four quarter battle when the stakes get real.
Dawson falls to 7 and 4, dropping their second straight, but not before giving Ridge Point one of its toughest tests of the year.
The Panthers now march on with momentum and confidence, still perfect and still dangerous as the postseason heats up.
