Palatka Hosts Godby in First State Playoff Game in 23 Years

The Tallahassee Godby Cougars travel to Bennett-Cooper Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium this Friday at 7:00 to face the Palatka Panthers in a first-round state playoff game.

The matchup is the first state tournament game for the Palatka Panthers in 23 years.

The seeding dynamic for this contest stems from district performance. Palatka secured its spot as a district winner, earning the right to host the playoff game. Conversely, Godby enters the bracket as a non-district winner. The Panthers also benefited from a shift in the state tournament structure, as Jacksonville Raines moved into the Open Division, clearing a path for this home-field opportunity.

While the venue is set, the challenge for Palatka remains steep. Godby boasts a potent offensive unit that has averaged 394 yards per game this season. The Cougars are led by senior quarterback Landon Dougherty, who has surpassed the 2,000-yard passing mark, and senior rusher Kamren McMillian, who has eclipsed 1,000 yards on the ground.

The Panthers enter the contest with momentum, having won three of their last four games. The Panthers look to maintain possession offensively to keep the high-powered Cougar offense and their own defense off the field.

Fans unable to attend the game at Veterans Memorial Stadium can listen to the broadcast via local station WIYD, available at 1260AM or 104.9FM.

This matchup represents the first meeting between the two programs. Godby, which enters with a 7-3 record following a recent 50-10 victory over Tallahassee Lincoln, will use its statistical advantages against a surging Palatka team that holds a 5-5 record.