Staff Reports

SPRING GARDEN – Fourth-ranked Spring Garden closed out Class 1A Region 8 play Friday night with a dominating 61-6 victory over Ider on homecoming.

Lukas McGatha led the Panthers with 123 yards on eight carries and three touchdowns. Connor Bates delivered 98 yards on just three carries with a touchdown. Hayes Guthrie added a 55-yard score. Zane Edwards and Grey Simpson also had a touchdown apiece on the ground.

Quarterback Noah Barber completed 4 of 5 passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns to John Welsh, who had two receptions for two scores from 24 and 20 yards.

Chandler Rogers led the Panther defense with eight tackles. Colton Driskell and Bryant Williams had seven stops apiece. Two of Williams’ tackles went for loss.

Spring Garden held a 47-0 edge at halftime and led 54-0 through three quarters.

The Panthers, who clinched the region championship last week with a win at Gaylesville, improved to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in region play. Following an open week this Friday, Spring Garden closes out the regular season against Ranburne on Nov. 1 and will host a playoff game on Nov. 8.