A Middlesboro defense that had allowed one touchdown or less four times in a seven-game winning streak had no answer for the Pikeville Panthers in the third round of the Class A playoffs on Friday.
The host Panthers rolled up 446 yards on the ground on the way to a 34-14 victory. Brenden Anthony ran for 296 yards on 22 carries and scored four touchdowns. Tayvian Boykins added 145 yards on 13 carries.
The Jackets, who finished the season at 9-3, were led by senior quarterback Cayden Grigsby, who threw for 155 yards by completing 12 of 25 attempts. He also added 165 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Senior receiver Kameron Wilson ended his Middlesboro career with nine catches for 120 yards and 43 yards rushing on 10 carries. Jack Yoakum and Malachi Coots added one catch each.
Tristan Hatfield and Rylee Foster led the Middlesboro defense with 13 and 12 tackles, respectively. Vincent Smith added 11.
The 10-2 Panthers travel to Campbellsville on Friday in the Class A semifinals.