As the seconds ticked off, hope for the Panther’s fourth win dwindled. They lost 21-11, but that didn’t stop the yelling and chanting radiating from proud Palmetto students.

“I feel like having school spirit makes them perform better than they would have without people in the stands,” senior Stephen Alvarez said. “They feel good, we feel good, even if we fell short today.”

Quarterback Troy Cook separated his left shoulder just two weeks before Homecoming and didn’t play the next game. Thursday he played the entire game and didn’t seem to hold back.

The Panthers started off with a strong running game and scored the first three points with a field goal. Palmetto’s defense came out strong, recording two first half interceptions. Despite this, Coral Reef scored 14 points in the half, including a punt returned for a touchdown.

An outstanding play by the Panthers was when they punted and pinned the Barracudas on their three-yard line, trapping them close to their end zone and possibly preventing them from scoring a third touchdown. Coupled with Palmetto’s interceptions, their defense prevented the score from getting out of control. Nonetheless, the first half ended with Coral Reef up by 14-3.

Cook completed a beautiful touchdown pass in the third quarter, and a two-point conversion gave Palmetto fans hope that with another field goal, the game would be tied. Coral Reef spoiled these efforts with a blocked punt against Palmetto, and they scored another touchdown to put Palmetto down ten points in the fourth quarter.

“I think the score speaks for itself, but the boys did a good job,” Principal Dr. Harley said. “It was really exciting.”

Principal Harley enjoyed the homecoming aspect of the game as well.

“I liked being able to escort the football players to the field for their senior year and honoring the homecoming court on their special night,” Harley said.

Despite the Panthers’ loss, the hype surrounding the game and the spirit surrounding the students that attended was enough for some players.

“The homecoming game was more than about winning,” sophomore Ivan Figueroa said. “Seeing all those fans at the game was amazing, to see all that school spirit people had. We gave it our all, put on a show. Thanks to all the kids and teachers who came out to support us.”