Colts host Panthers today in playoff action
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PHILIPPI -- Philip Barbour has had Clay County's number in the playoffs the past two seasons.
The sixth-seeded Colts (7-3) look to extend that to three straight years at 4 p.m. today at George Byrer Field at Freedom Bank Park in Class AA first-round action.
Coach Nick Mayle's Philip Barbour squad enters the playoffs with momentum, winning five straight games, including a 39-36 victory at No. 9 Lincoln to conclude regular-season action.
They dealt the Panthers a 28-17 loss back in 2024 and cruised to a 69-7 victory last year -- both at home.
Senior running back Landyn Carpenter, whose had a historic season in regards to school records, leads the Colt offense with nearly 2,000 yards rushing with 23 touchdowns.
Junior quarterback Robbie Jones, meanwhile, has provided a duel-threat to the offense, rushing for 477 yards and passing for 708.
Senior Mason Jones has also provides key yardage in the rushing attack, finding the end zone five times on the ground this year.
When Robbie Jones goes to the air, his favorite targets have been junior Tristen Price and senior Kent Rowan.
Mason Jones leads the defense in tackles from his linebacker spot, while junior linebacker Parker Herod is second in stops.
Senior Sean Dent and Rowan are tops in total sacks and Robbie Jones has collected a team-best four interceptions.
Clay County also enters today's matchup on on a five-game win streak. The Panthers have scored over 30 points in each game during that span.
Senior running back Brody Scarbro and junior quarterback Cooper Collins ignite the Clay County offense.
Scarbro, who also leads the team in tackles from his linebacker spot, has ran for 1,012 yards and scored 16 total touchdowns, with Collins throwing for nearly 2,00 yards and 19 scores.
His top targets are junior Joel Elliott, who has snagged 10 touchdown passes, and senior Kohan Ramsey.
The winner of today's contest faces either No. 3 Bluefield or No. 14 James Monroe in the quarterfinals.