Gautier Edges Pascagoula in 49-42 Thriller to Advance to Playoffs

The 25th annual Singing River Classic delivered a rivalry showdown to remember as the Gautier Gators outlasted the Pascagoula Panthers in a high-scoring battle, winning 49-42 to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

With both teams fighting to keep their seasons alive, the rivalry matchup featured plenty of fireworks from the opening kickoff.

Pascagoula wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Quarterback Jason Glaude connected with Arabian Johnson and Keelan Harper on back-to-back plays to move the chains before keeping the ball himself and rushing into the end zone for the game’s opening touchdown.

The Panthers took an early 7-0 lead, but Gautier quickly answered.

Quarterback Keon McNeil found Devon Garrett and Juelz Watson to help move the Gators down the field before connecting with Ashaun Tubbs for a touchdown. The score evened things up at 7-7 with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Pascagoula responded with another scoring drive, as Glaude used his legs to pick up a first down before finding Kevin Marshall downfield. Marshall did the rest, turning up field and racing into the end zone for a Panthers touchdown to put Pascagoula back in front, 14-7.

The two teams continued trading blows throughout the night, with neither side willing to back down in the postseason elimination matchup.

The game ultimately came down to the final seconds, when Gautier found the go-ahead touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining to take a 49-42 lead.

The Gators held on for the seven-point victory, ending Pascagoula’s season and sending Gautier on to the playoffs.

Congratulations to the Gators on the big win, and hats off to the Panthers for an incredible fight in the 25th annual Singing River Classic!