Story by Cinthia Rico
Collinsville captured its second regional win against rival Sand Rock with a 37-20 victory last Friday night at Chad Hawkins Stadium.
With the win, head coach Ernie Willingham became Collinsville’s winningest coach in the Panthers’ more than 100-year history.
Per officials, with Willinghams’ 86th win, he surpassed former head coach Raymond Weaver who coached Willingham and served 23 years as head football coach at Collinsville and Geraldine.
Collinsville opened up scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run from Keaton Deboard late in the second quarter.
At the half, the Panthers led 6-0.
Early in the third frame, Deboard broke free for a 1-yard run. Sand Rock answered with Alec Ashley connecting with Carson Chesnut on a 72-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful kick from Aaron Ashley to bring the score up 12-7.
However, with seconds remaining in the third and a first down 10 to go, Deboard rushed up the left side for a 55-yard touchdown closing the frame at 18-13.
In the fourth quarter, Sand Rock’s offense rallied as Aaron Ashley found Logan Crider for a 21-yard touchdown pass in an attempt to close the gap.
As the Panthers’ offensive efforts continued on a second down with eight to go, Deboard rushed for a 20-yard TD at the 10:02 mark. Mason McAteer furthered Collinsville’s lead with a 55-yard touchdown run, pushing through the middle and taking off on the right side. A good PAT from Ailon extended the score to 31-13.
Deboard intercepted a Wildcat pass, and the Panthers took back possession.
A few plays later Collinsville secured its lead when Terrell broke for a 1-yard touchdown for the Panthers’ final score.
With a minute left in the game, Sand Rock’s Aaron Ashley connected with Everett Deboard on a 13-yard touchdown pass. A good PAT cut the score to 32-30 at the fourth.
Deboard had 27 carries, rushing for 178 yards and four touchdowns, with two interceptions on defense and 50 yards on kick returns for the Panthers. McAteer passed for 21 yards and ran for 113 yards with a 55-yard touchdown.
Collinsville finished with 475 total yards, 64 passing yards, and 411 rushing. Sand Rock accumulated 266 total yards, 248 passing yards, and 18 rushing.
Collinsville travels to Gaston on Friday for a non-region game. The last time the two met was in 2017 when the Panthers won 41-0.