The Como-Pickton Eagles continued their winning streak with a 48-30 victory over the Alba-Golden Panthers Friday at Como-Pickton High School. The game was grueling, as the two run-oriented teams battled for the line of scrimmage throughout.

The Panthers amassed 343 yards from scrimmage in 63 plays, while the Eagles tallied 374 yards on 55 snaps. It was timing and momentum which turned the game in favor of the Eagles. 

Three distinct passages of play made up the entire 48 minutes. The first half was nearly a draw. The two teams alternated scores. It was knotted at 16-16 with 5:02 to play in the half. 

Alba-Golden scores were from a Sam Olson 30-yard quarterback draw and an Olson to Cason Boyd touchdown pass. Brett Sutton registered both 2-point conversions. The first came on a tough catch in the end zone and the second on the ground.     

Almost predictably, Como-Pickton scored again three minutes later to take an 8-point lead. The Panthers were intent on evening the score before the half expired, but an Olson pass over the middle was intercepted. 

Como-Pickton took the ball and the momentum.

They scored with :28 on the clock after a 58-yard, 10-play drive. Como-Pickton took a two- touchdown lead into halftime after a very evenly-played first half.

A huge opportunity presented itself in the third quarter. Alba-Golden limited Como-Pickton to only 26 yards in the quarter. The entire quarter was played in the Como-Pickton side of the 50. 

Alba-Golden took possession at the Eagles’ 36-yard line, at the Eagles’ 42-yard line and at the Eagles’ 30-yard line. They managed only one score in those three possessions – closing the game to 32-24. 

The chance to take control of the game had passed. 

The home side woke up in the final quarter and the same even tempo returned to the game. Como-Pickton scored twice in the final quarter and the Panthers once.

With four minutes remaining, Olson found Boogie Trimble on a 41-yard catch and run. Great footwork by Olson escaping pressure and smart headwork by Trimble to find an opening in the secondary made the play.  

The Eagles would not be deterred however, pushing in one final score to cement the win.

Alba-Golden will entertain the Rivercrest Rebels on Friday. The Rebels versus Panthers always promises to be an extremely competitive game – one to remember. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.