Panthers top Southern, close in on playoff berth

The Annapolis football team won't need any help getting into the playoffs this year.

The Panthers control their own destiny and can clinch a playoff berth with a win over North County next week, thanks to a 20-0 win over Southern last night.

Annapolis came into last night's game in the best position of the remaining playoff contenders and will be in the playoffs for the first time since 2002 if it can win next week. The Panthers narrowly missed the playoffs last year when they didn't get the help they needed late in the season. If the Panthers should lose next week, Broadneck could grab the final playoff spot.

"Simply win. It doesn't sound as easy as it is. But in the past we had to win, and then this team had to beat that team," Annapolis coach Brian Brown said.

"Right now, it feels good to control our own destiny."

Junior Demond Brown led the Panthers with 140 yards on 15 carries, including a 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game away. Annapolis (7-2) ran for 263 yards on 45 carries.

"Annapolis football is known for their backs. I've got four good ones that I give the ball to and they've all been doing well," Brown said.

Fullback Joshua Kohut added 62 yards on 10 carries for Annapolis. Most of his yardage came in the first half, which the Panthers dominated by running 40 plays for 202 yards. Southern ran just 12 plays before intermission for 11 yards.

"They won the battle at the line of scrimmage offensively and defensively early, and that's what made the difference," Southern coach Russ Meyers said.

Annapolis got on the board in the first quarter on a 31-yard field goal from Daniel Varn, then added to the lead in the second when Brandon Johnson hit Terrence Wright for an 11-yard touchdown to make it 10-0. Johnson finished 6-for-12 for 82 yards, while Wright had a pair of catches for 24 yards. Delonte Brooks led the Panthers with 32 yards on two receptions.

Annapolis recorded its second shutout of the year and gave up less than 14 points for the sixth time. The Panthers held the Bulldogs to 67 rushing yards and didn't allow a first down until early in the second half. Terrance Brownlee moved up from his linebacker spot to help stack the line along with Peter Papleonti and Bryan Wright, among others.

"The linebackers filled holes and the defensive line was fantastic tonight," Brown said.

Southern (6-3) came into last night's game in third place in the Class 2A South Region, with Douglas, McDonough and Long Reach all in contention for a berth. The Bulldogs close the season with Arundel in hopes of securing a playoff berth of their own.

Tyricus Easton had an interception and Matt Jordan blocked a punt for Southern.

Annapolis (7-2) 3 7 3 7 - 20

Southern (6-3) 0 0 0 0 - 0

First Quarter

ANN - Varn 31 FG

Second Quarter

ANN - Wright 11 pass from Johnson (Varn kick)

Third Quarter

ANN - Varn 27 FG

Fourth Quarter

ANN - Brown 67 run (Varn kick)

PASSING: ANN - Johnson 6-12-1-1=82 yards; SO - Wells 4-7-0-0=34 yards; RECEIVING: ANN - Brooks 2-32, Henson 2-26, Wright 2-24-1; SO - Burke 2-24. RUSHING: ANN - Brown 15-140-1; SO - Sullivan 8-25.