Russell Hedges
rhedges@bossierpress.com
To the surprise of coach David Feaster, the Parkway Panthers made quick work of the East St. John Wildcats Friday night in Reserve.
The Panthers scored three touchdows in the first quarter en route to a 52-25 victory in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.
Second-seeded Parkway (11-0), which tied the school record for victories in a season set last year, will play at No. 10 Zachary (9-3) in the quarterfinals Friday. Zachary knocked off No. 7 New Iberia 34-30 in the second round.
“The game went a whole lot better than expected,” Feaster said. “It was just amazing that our defense was able to completely shut them down and get some quick turnovers and our offense was able to roll like it was early on.”
Parkway’s Dylan Whaley picked off a Xavier Lewis pass on the second play of the game.
On Parkway’s first offensive play, William McKnight ran 34 yards for a touchdown and the rout was on. The Panthers led 38-6 at the half and extended that by six more in the third.
The Wildcats scored two meaningless touchdowns after recovering consecutive onsides kicks in the fourth quarter.
Parkway senior quarterback Brandon Harris passed for three touchdowns and ran for two more.
He completed 12 of 27 passes for 282 yards. His TD passes went to McKnight (53 yards), Demetrius McAtee (7 yards) and Brodrick Jeffferson (37 yards).
Harris scored on runs of 11 and 4 yards. He finished with 61 yards on seven carries.
Avery Shoebridge kicked a 20-yard field goal on the final play of the first half. He was also a perfect 7-of-7 on PAT kicks.
Kei’Untre Normandin scored the final TD of the game on a 9-yard run.
Linebacker Austin Averitt was in on 11 tackles, including three sacks and three tackles for losses, and recovered a fumble.
Dante Williams, Matthew Harper and Marquis King were in on seven tackles. King also had an interception.
Hunter Huckaby and Justin Waggoner were in on six tackles each. Tray Walker recovered a fumble.
