The Carolina Panthers’ playoff dreams were shattered in a heart-stopping 34-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium. Hosting their first playoff game in a decade, the Panthers faced a formidable Rams team seeking redemption from a previous 31-28 defeat on Nov. 30. The atmosphere was electric as former MVP quarterback Cam Newton energized the crowd by banging the “Keep Pounding” drum.
The Panthers initially trailed 14-0, but Chuba Hubbard’s 1-yard touchdown run put Carolina on the scoreboard. Bryce Young’s elusive scramble for a touchdown brought the Panthers within three points at halftime, trailing 17-14. After a Mike Jackson interception, Hubbard scored again, giving Carolina a brief 24-20 lead. However, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with Kyren Williams for a touchdown, reclaiming a 27-24 advantage.
A blocked punt recovery put the Panthers in scoring position, and Young’s precise pass to Jalen Coker gave them a 31-27 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Yet, the Rams’ MVP candidate delivered a decisive pass to Colby Parkinson, securing a 34-31 victory with 38 seconds left. The Panthers’ final drive faltered, ending their season in dramatic fashion.
In college football news, former Northside Jacksonville Monarch Tyree Holloway signed to play for LSU next year. Holloway, who moved from Kansas to Jacksonville for his senior year, excelled as a Monarch before transferring to West Florida, where he amassed 661 yards and eight touchdowns this season. His unexpected journey through the transfer portal culminated in an SEC offer.
In college basketball, No. 17 UNC defeated Wake Forest 87-84, with freshman Caleb Wilson scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Despite strong performances from Wake’s Nate Calmese and Juke Harris, the Tar Heels held off a comeback to improve to 14-2. NC State set a program record with 19 three-pointers in a 113-69 victory over FSU, led by Paul McNeil’s 21 points. Meanwhile, No. 6 Duke edged No. 24 SMU 82-75, with Isaiah Evans scoring 21 points.
On the ice, the Carolina Hurricanes extended their win streak to four games by defeating the Seattle Kraken 3-2. Logan Stankoven and Jordan Martinook scored to tie the game, and Jaccob Slavin’s late goal secured the victory.