The Pine Crest Homecoming football game was a huge success in terms of the turnout.  However, the team failed to capitalize on this big stage, ultimately losing by a score of 41-14 to the Benjamin Buccaneers.  There could not have been a better matchup for this Homecoming football game, as both teams met in the SFC championship game at FAU stadium last year.  Also, due to injuries and the losses of key Seniors this year, both teams sat at a record of 2-4, struggling to even make the playoffs. After the stinging loss to Benjamin in last season’s championship game, Pine Crest was looking for revenge.

The game started well when the Panthers won the coin toss, opting to defer to Benjamin.  On just the second play of the game, senior safety Austin Litofsky intercepted a pass from Benjamin quarterback Luke Donaldson and ran it back 37 yards to the 1-yard line. Junior running back Rushane Wilson then ran it in for the first touchdown of the game. Wilson led the running attack for the Panthers with 41 yards and the only two touchdowns scored for Pine Crest.  Despite Wilson’s impact, the Panthers rushing game was not a major factor against Benjamin, finishing with only 62 total rushing yards.

Along with their weak running game, the Panthers also struggled immensely in the turnover department. Junior quarterback Zach Smith threw two interceptions as well as fumbled the ball on a rushing attempt. One interception was returned for a touchdown, while his fumble resulted in another Benjamin score just a few plays later. Turnovers clearly had a major impact on the outcome of the game.

At halftime, the Homecoming King and Queen were announced, and Chandler Cissel and Kimmie Ginsburg ecstatically accepted their crown and tiara. Also announced was the long awaited winner of the coveted Spirit Stick. After a hard fought battle all week between the senior and junior class, thejJuniors were declared winners. Junior President Brittany Paris came to the field to accept the stick on behalf of the Junior class.

After a close first half, the second half did not go so well for the Panthers, as they did not put up a single point. While the game was disappointing, the fans and alumni were happy to support their team and represent Pine Crest.

Although the Panthers could not get it done on the field, the game definitely brought in the biggest crowd all year.  All in all, it was a fun night and another great Homecoming for Pine Crest.