Stone Memorial Earns Region 4-4A #2 Seed Via Shutout Victory Over White County, 16-0

By Michael Lindsay

The Stone Memorial Panthers (9-1, 4-1) clinched a home playoff game Thursday evening as they defeated White County (7-3, 3-2) in shutout fashion to secure the #2 overall seed in Region 4-4A, 16-0.

“Great job by our defense as a whole,” said Stone Memorial head coach Derik Samber. “We’ve gotten healthy on defense and we’re playing our best ball at the right time of year. A lot of credit to coach Tanner Kirkland on that side of the ball.”

Stone Memorial was led offensively by quarterback Noah Potter, who went 18-24 for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air along with 20 rushing yards. Kadyn Page caught 8 passes for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win.

“It wasn’t the game we wanted offensively, but we have guys all over the field that can make plays when we need it,” said Potter. “Our O-Line played great against a great D-Line, and I’m thankful and blessed we all got out of here healthy.”

White County drove the game’s opening possession to the Stone 20-yard line but got no further as the Panthers forced a missed field goal to keep the game scoreless after one quarter.

The Panthers opened the second period with a score as Potter hit Page on a 5-yard touchdown pass to give the Panthers a 5-yard touchdown strike to give his team a 6-0 lead with 11:55 remaining until halftime. White County found their way into the red zone again before the half, but Stone Memorial’s Kadyn Page forced and recovered a Warrior fumble at the Panther 3-yard line with less than 10 seconds left in the period to preserve Stone’s 6-0 lead at halftime.

The third quarter mirrored the first as neither team found the end zone to keep the score at 6-0 entering the fourth quarter.

Stone Memorial extended their lead to two possessions with 6:19 remaining on the leg of Potter as he lined up at kicker and drilled a 44-yard field goal to give the Panthers a 9-0 advantage.

The special teams unit wasn’t done there as Lincoln Eldridge forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff to give the Panthers the ball back deep in Warrior territory.

Stone Memorial took advantage of the opportunity as Potter hit Page from 19 yards out for a one-handed touchdown catch to put Stone Memorial up 16-0 with 4:11 left. The Panthers held the shutout from there to seal the 16-0 victory.

“Our kids played with so much energy tonight,” said Samber. “This was one of those nights where whoever brought the most energy and was the tougher football game would win.”

Up next for both teams is the Class 4A playoffs. Stone Memorial will host Loudon (5-5) in the first round next Friday at 7 p.m. The Panthers defeated Loudon 42-21 on Sept. 19. White County will travel to Hixson (5-5) for their opening-round action.

More TSSAA playoff information will be posted as available.