“One hundred! One hundred! One hundred!” The words poured out from the student section Friday night when the Bells Panthers and the Celeste Blue Devils were nearing the end of a record breaking match up. In a score that seems only appropriate for six man football or even basketball, the teams totaled 168 points, the most points scored in a regular season game since 1932.
Bells reigned victorious with 94 points. Even more impressive is that the team was led by sophomore quarterback and head coach’s son, Bryan Ponder. A solid offense is a balanced one and that’s exactly how Bells managed to almost score 100 points. Ponder hooked up with Hunter Hawthorne for 216 yards on 19 catches and two touchdowns. Jacob Taylor rushed for 169 yards on 13 carries and four touchdowns. Overall, the team scored 13 touchdowns and eight 2-point-conversions. This dual threat offense has proven to be tough for opposing defenses as the Panthers have suffered only one district loss this season.
Xavier Edwards led Celeste in scoring with 10 touchdowns and seven 2-point-conversions. Edwards completed the hat trick with two passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and one reception for a touchdown. An impressive offensive accomplishment even in the face of defeat.
To add to the scoring saga, every kickoff was an onside kick. Excitement was abundant and emotions were running high which lead to a few personal foul penalties. That didn’t, however, prevent either team from putting on stellar performances.
Only a single trip to the end zone shy of scoring triple digits, Ponder took a knee to close out the final seconds of the game as fans continued to chant, “One hundred! One hundred!”
“Most of the fans were in disbelief,” explained Shelley Smith, Bells football parent. “It was a very long game, but nobody wanted to leave and miss what might happen.” One thing is certain, Panthers fans will be spending even more time rooting on their hometown team as they have also clinched a playoff spot for the third consecutive season. Can the Panthers offense continue to write history? Their next opportunity comes this Friday against Collinsville.
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