MAGNET COVE -- Magnet Cove led two-time defending state champion Fordyce 29-7 in the third quarter, but the Redbugs scored 23 unanswered, including a 2-point conversion with just under 30 seconds left in the game, to take down the Panthers 30-29 at Kenneth W. Hammons Stadium Friday night.
With the win, Fordyce (9-3) advanced to the Class 2A playoff semifinals to host Clarendon, and Magnet Cove's season came to an end.
Down 29-22 with 5:44 to play, the Redbugs started a drive at their own 26-yard line after a punt by Magnet Cove (7-5).
Eating clock along the way, Fordyce drove the ball to the Panthers' 13-yard line. To cap the 12-play drive, quarterback Tre Merritt found Dominique Hammond over the middle in the end zone to pull within 29-28.
Looking for the win, the Redbugs called a timeout to discuss their options before the Panthers called a timeout of their own.
With both teams finally set and ready for the play that ultimately decided the quarterfinal matchup, Merritt rushed through a hole and into the end zone on a quarterback keeper to set the final and keep Fordyce's hopes of a three-peat alive.
Merritt finished the game 16-for-28 passing for 133 yards and a score. The senior quarterback also led Fordyce in rushing with 89 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.
Magnet Cove came into the second half leading 15-7, and the Panthers added to their advantage on their first possession of the third quarter.
Running back Brett Williams exploded through a hole in the middle of the field for a 62-yard touchdown rush and a 22-7 lead. Williams finished the game with 75 yards and three scores on 11 carries.
On the ensuing possession, Fordyce drove into Magnet Cove territory but fumbled on the 27-yard line to give the ball back to the Panthers.
Taking advantage of the fumble and on a fourth-and-five play later in the drive, Jacob Clausen connected with Brayden Campbell on a 25-yard touchdown pass to jump ahead 29-7.
Then, the Fordyce rally began. Merritt answered with a touchdown rush from one yard out before Taylor Poole carried it in for a 2-point coversion.
Trailing 29-15, Fordyce recovered an onside kick and started at the Magnet Cove 44.
After a third down pass interference call moved the ball to the Panthers' 20-yard line, Jyrique Walker scored from two yards out to bring the game to 29-22.
The Redbugs attempted another onside kick, but the Panthers recovered the ball just inside Fordyce territory.
Magnet Cove was driving, appearing to undoubtedly add to its lead, but Clausen threw an interception to Jacobie Walker, taking the opportunity away from the home team.
The Redbugs then turned it over on downs before a punt by Magnet Cove set up the game winning drive.
The Panthers started the game hot. After forcing Fordyce into a three-and-out on the first possession of the game, Magnet Cove blocked the Redbugs' punt and returned it to the 2-yard line.
In just one play, Williams carried the ball into the end zone for the first score of the game. Magnet Cove lined up for the PAT but on a fake, kicker Anthony Villescez found Cade Davis in the end zone for an 8-0 lead.
The Panthers defense did not allow the Fordyce run game to get going in the first quarter. The Redbugs went three-and-out again on the ensuing possession.
After a Magnet Cove punt, Fordyce gave the momentum right back to the Panthers. On third-and-seven, Merritt rolled right before trying to find his receiver in the flat.
Instead, Merritt threw it right to Jacob Hawthorn for an interception.
After returning the interception to Fordyce's 26, Williams scored on a 2-yard rush later in the possession to put the Panthers up 15-0.
Into the second quarter, Magnet Cove made its first big mistake of the game. After lining up to punt, the Panthers snapped the ball over punter Campbell's head, and after chasing the ball down, he was tackled at his own 6-yard line.
Although it took until fourth down, the Redbugs took advantage of the great field position and scored their first touchdown of the game.
Merritt took a snap and rolled right, and the senior quarterback had a receiver wide open in the end zone, but instead carried it in himself to make the game 15-7 at halftime.