Perry rolled past Rutland 44-6 Friday to open its season with a win and usher in the new era under Head Coach Kevin Smith and company in right fashion.
The Panthers beat the Canes 35-14 last year. They surpassed that mark this time in the first half alone.
While Rutland was busy punting, Perry was busy scoring. Trayvon Malcolm got things going with a five-yard touchdown run. A 2-point conversion made it 8-0 with 6:17 showing on the first quarter clock.
Tyrell Owens followed that with a six-yard run for the score. The point after made it 15-0 with 1:53 left in the first.
Jaylen Johnson then recovered a fumble for 22 yards and a score. The 2-point try failed making it 21-0 abou t a minute into the second.
Jay Watkins then had one of his two scores, a 52-yard touchdown run. The 2-point conversion was good this time making it 29-0 with 9:49 left in the half.
Davion Ross added a touchdown on a 19-yard run and then shortly after that accounted for a safety.
Finally, Watkins scored on a 36-yard reception from freshman quarterback Lane Rucker to make it 44.
The second half was played with a running clock with Rutland finally getting on the board via a scoop and score. The snap on the point after attempt was botched ending the scoring.
MCDONALD’S OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME JAY WATKINS. PAPA JOHN’S DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME DONTAVIOUS MCGHEE.
