Greenbrier quarterback Parker Brantley rushed for three touchdowns, including the game-winner in the final two minutes and lead the Wolfpack to a 21–14 victory over Lakeside on Thursday night.
The rivalry matchup at Wolfpack Stadium was intense, characterized by extended drives, costly penalties, and several plays that shifted the momentum.
Rivalry nerves show early with penalties and turnovers
Greenbrier appeared ready to strike first after Brennen Bjorkman’s opening kickoff return set the Wolfpack up at the Lakeside 31-yard line. But penalties and a six-yard loss stalled the drive, and the Wolfpack would turn it over on downs on their own 29.
Greenbrier would force a punt on Lakeside’s opening drive, but Lakeside capitalized moments later when Sa’Quan Marshall recovered a Greenbrier fumble deep in Wolfpack territory. Running back Tristan Jones punched it in from nine yards out midway through the first quarter to give the Panthers a 7–0 lead.
Greenbrier answered quickly when Brantley broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run, tying the game 7–7 late in the first quarter.
Defenses settle in
Both defenses controlled the second quarter. Lakeside missed a 40-yard field goal attempt, while on the next drive, Greenbrier’s fourth-down conversion try was stopped short at the Lakeside 30-yard line. The teams went into halftime tied 7–7.
The defensive theme continued after the break, with neither side scoring in the third quarter. Greenbrier’s defense came up big late in the period when it intercepted a Lakeside pass to keep the game even heading into the final frame.
Fourth-quarter fireworks
Brantley powered in from 11 yards out early in the fourth quarter to give Greenbrier its first lead of the night, 14–7.
Lakeside answered in dramatic fashion. After a roughing-the-punter penalty extended their drive, quarterback Charlie Bower found Joey Curkovic for a 14-yard touchdown on fourth down with just two minutes left, tying the game at 14–14.
Greenbrier wasted no time reclaiming control. A couple plays later on the ensuing drive, Beau Polcha ripped off a 60-yard run to the Lakeside 3-yard line. Two plays later, Brantley scored his third touchdown of the game from one yard out to put the Wolfpack back in front, 21–14, with 1:50 remaining.
Greenbrier’s defense sealed the win with a final stop on Lakeside’s last possession, clinching an emotional rivalry victory.
Final: Greenbrier 21, Lakeside 14
Records: Greenbrier 2-5 | Lakeside 0-8
Next: Greenbrier travels to Effingham County| Lakeside hosts the Brunswick Pirates
