By Josh Prewitt for the FCT

The Tharptown High School Wildcats (0-4) (0-2) can’t get into the winning column, losing to the Hackleburg Panthers in a 1A Region 8 matchup 40-14 Friday.
Tharptown scored its only touchdown of the first half late on a 26-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Carson Petree to senior wide receiver Matt Hall, cutting the lead to 20-7 at the half.
The Wildcats came out in the second half with strong momentum as senior cornerbackTrent Risley picked off Panther quarterback Kaleb Moore’s pass and returned it all the way to the end zone for a touchdown. The pick-six and the ensuing extra point pulled the Wildcats within a touchdown at 20-14.
Tharptown’s comeback attempt stuttered to a halt, as they would be stopped for rest of game. Hackleburg’s defense stiffened and offense exploded in the second half for 20 more points to beat Tharptown 40-14.
The Wildcats look to use a much-needed bye week this week and regroup before traveling for a non-region game next Friday against a red hot Lynn team (4-0).