JUNCTION CITY - Fouke’s defense came up with two crucial stops in the fourth quarter to stave off Junction City 13-12 in the 5-3A opener for both schools Friday night at David Carpenter Stadium.
Trailing 13-6 in the fourth quarter, the Dragons pulled to within a point on a 25-yard strike from Decoreon Dubose to Jakourian Key, but the Panthers stopped Hayden Hudson on the two-point conversion try that would’ve given the Dragons the lead.
Junction City’s defense, which limited the Panthers to just 163 yards of total offense, forced Fouke to punt on the ensuing possession.
The Dragons reached Fouke’s 23 with Dubose connecting with Key for 15 yards before running for nine yards with a penalty tacked on to give Junction City a final shot at the end zone.
However, Dubose was sacked to end the game.
The Dragons led 6-0 on a 1-yard run by Key, but the Panthers tied the game late in the second quarter before taking the lead in the third quarter.
The Dragons (1-3, 0-1), who have dropped two straight, hit the road to face Prescott next week.
The Panthers (3-2, 1-0) return home to host Horatio next week.