After struggling through one of the more difficult 3A schedules in the state of Louisiana, Brusly Panthers made a turnaround the second half of the season. Friday against Mentorship, the Panthers had a chance to punch their ticket to the playoffs with a win.

 "Came into the game. Long time in the film room," said center Grant Watts. "Treat it like a playoff game, because that was our mentality. Had to make sure we were even in the playoffs. Just going into the week with coach. Breaking down the offense. Just all week in the film room.

"Grant has been the one who has led it. He took it upon himself to lead this thing. Get more guys into film study," said head coach Hoff Schooler.

"That could've been my last high school football game senior year. It hits a little different when you go out there week 19. It was a different mentality. A different atmosphere. It just hits different when it could be your last game," said Watts.

Watts stepped up with a huge performance for the Panthers. He finished with 14 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a touchdown to help shutout Mentorship in the 43-0 win.

The Panthers second shutout in three weeks.

"That was probably the best moment because it feels like a playoff win. It sets the tone and lets you know you have another game guaranteed. It's just different and makes you feel as good as it gets honestly," said Watts.

Grant has made his presence felt on defense all season long after finishing the year with more than 100 tackles for the third straight year. He's been unbelievable the last four weeks.

Six of his eight interceptions this season came over that span. He also returned three of those interceptions this season for touchdowns.

"You put in all the work, but as soon as the whistle blows and the ball is snapped, it is just see ball, hit ball and make a play. It's not too complicated," said Watts.

"He's just consistent doing it over and over and over again. Whether it is making somebody right or making sure you're right yourself," said Schooler. 

As a defensive player, if you're making that big of an impact, it takes a lot more for people to notice you. So it means a lot when you come off the field.

Brusly will play Donaldsonville in the first round of the playoffs on Sunday.

BATON ROUGE- After playing JV football in 8th grade at Southern Lab, last year Zeon Chriss transferred to Madison Prep. It was there that the then freshman beat out a pair of upperclassman for the starting job at quarterback.

"When I was a freshman, I was kind of nervous coming in. But I knew I had to take responsibility to take this team to a championship," said Chriss.

Now a sophomore, Zeon has been on a tear this season. Last Friday he had another big day accounting for 177 yards of offense with both a rushing and passing touchdown. He also has the Chargers in first place and 8-1 on the year. 

"When I came in this year I had a talk with my dad who said I had to take over this team more and work hard and stay on everyone. That way we can be great as a team and win a championship," said Chriss.

Another thing driving Zeon is his want for redemption in his own mind. Last year in the second round of the playoffs, Chriss tore his meniscus in his left leg. That's why it is championship or bust for the sophomore who is back to 100%.

"I feel like I let my team down. It made me work harder," said Chriss.

"He feels like he has some unfinished business," said Madison Prep head coach Landry Williams. "He leads by example. His energy and his effort that he puts forth, we feed off of that."

Madison Prep head on the road for a matchup with West Feliciana on Friday.