The Concord Yellow Jackets began their 2022 campaign with a challenging foe, the Climax-Scotts Panthers. For the second straight year, Concord battled tough with the Panthers, but they were unable to capture a victory. This time, they lost 28-26.
Climax-Scotts started the scoring with a 24-yard aerial attack. Concord would respond, evening the halftime count at six. The ‘Jackets first touchdown of 2022 came from Anthony Evans to Mekhi Wingfield, a 13-yard pass.
Concord took the lead in the third quarter when Anthony Evans found the end zone. Their lead was short lived, as the Panthers fielded the opening kick and raced 73 yards for a touchdown. The Panthers’ ability to convert after scores gave them a two-point edge. That lead would expand to ten points when they scored again in the third quarter.
The ‘Jackets seized their opportunity in the final frame, scoring a pair of touchdowns. Evans and Wingfield were partners on a 25-yard touchdown. After a Climax-Scotts touchdown, Concord got another answer. This time, Ja’Vion Taylor fielded the kickoff and raced 70 yards for a score. Unfortunately for Concord, they ran out of time to complete the comeback. Regardless, they battled and showed their true colors in Week 1.
Anthony Evans led Concord with 158 passing yards on 18/25 completions. Evans was also the leading rusher with 69 carries of 16 yards. Mekhi Wingfield caught nearly every pass for Concord, hauling in 17 passes. This remarkable amount, an 8-man state record, tallied Wingfield 143 receiving yards.
Next week, Concord begins Tri-River play against Britton Deerfield. Climax-Scotts will take on Bellevue.
