WALNUT GROVE — Jackson County, playing without head coach Rich McWhorter, could not hold an early lead in a tough 16-14 loss to Walnut Grove in both teams’ Region 8-5A opener.
McWhorter had been suspended for one game after being ejected in last week's game.
Jackson County (2-2, 0-1 Region 8-5A) took a quick 7-0 midway through the first quarter on a 12-yard touchdown run from Jaden Cofer.
The Warriors (2-2, 1-0 Region 8-5A) got within 7-6 on a 30-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. They then recovered an onside kick and used that to take a 13-7 lead early in the second quarter with a 3-yard scoring run.
It stayed that way into the fourth quarter. Walnut Grove eventually added a 44-yard field goal with 5:50 left to push the lead to 16-7.
The Panthers didn’t go away, however. Cofer hauled in a 55-yard touchdown pass from Connor Bejin just over a minute later to pull within two points.
But the Panthers could get no closer.
Jackson County next will play host to Clarke Central next week.
