The opening round of the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs delivered every bit of postseason drama under the lights at Dark Horse Stadium Friday night, as Clinton shook off a slow, uneven first half and stormed back late to defeat the Ledford Panthers 28-20 and advance to Round Two.

Ledford opened the night with the football at their own 35-yard line and attempted to set the tone early. Two quick plays pushed the Panthers to midfield, as junior running back Dominique Arthur wasted no time gashing the Clinton front for early yardage. But after converting another first down, Clinton stiffened. Ledford was stonewalled on back-to-back carries and faced a fourth and long. The Panthers chose to stay aggressive, rolling quarterback Cameron Eller out right for a short completion, but the Dark Horses swarm

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