ROANOKE – The Jemison Panthers were defeated by Handley High’s Tigers in Roanoke last night, 24 -0, in the first round of the Class 4A High School Athletic Association Championship Tournament.

The Tigers controlled first half action, scoring all 24 of their points rushing the football the first 24 minutes of the game.

The second half turned into a defensive battle with neither team mounting a serious scoring threat.

Handley scored on its opening drive on a five-yard run by Justin Brown with 5:09 left in the quarter.

Brown scored again on an 18-yard run on the first play of the second quarter.

A bad snap on a Jemison punt attempt turned into a safety for the Tigers with 4:16 left in the half, giving Handley a 16-0 lead.

Ladarious Phillips scored on a four-yard run with 2:32 left in the half and ran in a two-point conversion to end the game’s scoring at 24.

Jemison’s deepest penetration into Tiger territory was to the 36 just before the half. The drive stopped on an incomplete pass.

The Panthers booked seven first downs, 58 yards rushing and 52 yards passing. They were intercepted once and were penalized 56 yards. The Tigers recorded 13 first downs, 213 yards rushing and 32 yards passing.

The Tigers fumbled twice, were penalized 35 yards and had a pass intercepted.