The final score of Parklane’s district finale at Jackson Prep wasn’t necessary indicative of how close the game could — or should — have gone.
But as has been the case the entire year, the Pioneers shot themselves in the foot and gave up two fumbles and a punt return for touchdowns in a 31-0 loss on Friday night.
“It’s kind of been the story of the year. Turnovers have led to all six of ours losses,” Parklane coach Bo Milton said. “Take away two fumbles and a punt return, and it’s a 10-0 ball game.”
The first fumble came in the first quarter when Prep’s Charlie Pringle knocked the ball loose from Parklane’s Justin Brent, scooped it up and went 13 yards for an early 7-0 lead.
After Prep added a field goal, Parklane had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard in the second quarter.
“We had chances,” Milton said. “It is frsutrating but it’s part of the game.”
On a third-and-5 inside Prep territory, Parklane fumbled on an errant option pitch. Will Puckett picked up the fumble and took it 65 yards for the score.
“It’s one of those things. for whatever reason, we just had turnovers,” Milton said. “There is no rhyme or reason. Interceptions are understandable, but some of the fumbles, you just don’t know how it happens.”
Prep added a 1-yard run from Grayson Lamb and then struck with the punt return, a 48-yard score by Sean O’Hara.
All of Prep’s scoring came in the first half as Parklane shut down its offense completely.
The Pioneers held them to a respectable 236 yards of total offense, but only managed 133 of their own.
“Defensively, we played really good the whole game,” Milton said. “We took away everything they wanted to do.”
Parklane, known for its downhill rushing attack since the beginning of the year, was stuffed for 77 yards.
Sophomore quarterback Brady Lea, who split time with junior Zach Stutzman, was the team’s leading rusher with 45 yards on 10 carries.
Freshman Ryan Cothern was held to minus-2 yards on nine carries. Cothern exploded in Parklane’s loss last week, recording 169 yards and a touchdown.
Brent was the second leading rusher with 28 yards on six carries.
Lea notched 40 yards through the air, but only completed 2 of 8 passes. Senior receiver Taylor Smith had two catches for 30 yards to wrap up an impressive senior season.
Seth Travis led Parklane on defense with six tackles. Tyler Simmons added 51/2 and Will Laciura had five tackles and an interception.
Parklane finishes the year at 5-6 (1-5). Now it’s back to the drawing board for Milton.
“We will have to get in the office and figure out what was the cause and fix it before we get back,” he said.
The Pioneers return a host of young players, including most of their skill positions.
