Tharptown quarterback Carson Petree eyes the field.

By Bart Moss for the FCT

The Tharptown Wildcats were within striking distance of going from their first win in 18 games to a back-to-back performance at Phillips High School Friday night.

The Wildcats took a 21-16 lead early in the second half, and the defense held strong until later in the quarter. Phillips then rolled off 28 unanswered points to take the win 44-16.

Phillips scored first on a six-yard run to make the score 8-0.

Tharptown added points to the board with a 25-yard run by Trent Risley late in the first to cut the score to 8-7.

Phillips scored on the next possession to open the second quarter with an 18-yard touchdown pass to increase their lead to 16-7, and the Wildcats answered on a 12-yard run by Peyton Price to close the gap to 16-14.

Tharptown opened the second half with an impressive drive that culminated with a 27-yard run by Mikey Rosson to give the Wildcats a 21-16 lead.

Phillips would dominate the game from there to get the win.

Tharptown will host Cherokee on Thursday night.