One more week of non-conference play remains before Lee County and Southern Lee will head into the Sandhills Athletic Conference race in search of a state playoff trip come November.
A touchdown pass from Chase Klingemann to Trey Barbee followed by a batted pass by Nolan Gavigan on fourth down lifted (16) Apex to a 42-35 win over conference foe (17) Panther Creek in the first round of the 4A state playoffs on Friday night.
For the third straight season, the Panther Creek Catamounts have taken the Fight for 55 on the gridiron, as they earned a win over the Green Hope Falcons at home on Friday night.
After two losses to start the year, Panther Creek picked up win No. 1 of its season with a 35-27 victory on the road at Jordan on Friday thanks to big nights from quarterback Will Clancy (three touchdown passes) and wide receiver Sergio Castellon (two touchdown receptions).
The Panther Creek Catamounts suffered a big pre-season injury with the loss of quarterback Amari Odom. In his absence, the Catamounts hope to still put together a big season.