It was crunch time for the Pearl River Central football team as the game went into the last quarter of play with the Blue Devils down 13-6.

It was a one-possession game, but the team struggled offensively the entire night, putting points on the board only in the third quarter.

Since the Blue Devils didn’t score in the first half, they needed a clutch performance in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.

That’s exactly what the team got as PRC scored 14 unanswered points in the final quarter of play to win 20-13.

The Pascagoula Panthers just joined the district, and because of that PRC Head Coach Jacob Owen wasn’t sure what kind of formations his team would face.

However, the players and staff adapted, and found a way to win an important district game.

“I was very proud of our group. The kids did a good job of adjusting on the fly, and figuring out how to get their defense blocked,” Owen said.

The last minute comeback was something Owen said hadn’t been done in the program’s recent history.

Owen and his staff want to build a championship team at PRC, and Owen said winning a game like last Friday’s is a big step in the right direction.

“That’s a step you have to take to be a championship program,” Owen said.

Quarterback Cameron Brunson and running back Ty Herring led the team offensively.

Facing a new opponent meant Brunson and the offense would have to learn the best way to attack the opposing defense each possession.

With little foreknowledge to work with, the offense found a way to produce when it mattered most, and Owen said Brunson’s preparation during the week paid off.

“He came to work last week with a completely different demeanor, and had a chip on his shoulder. I think he played his best game in a Blue Devil uniform,” Owen said.

Herring had a massive game on the ground, pushing past 100 yards in rushing and scoring two touchdowns.

Detrich Spikes, who has been a valuable weapon for the Blue Devil offense all season, suffered an injury.

Herring answered the call to the be the next man up with some big runs against the Panthers’ defense.

“He is as steady as a rock, and he’s going to play his guts out. I expect him to continue to do that,” Owen said.

The defense was stifling all night, and was led by Branson Logan, Clay Spiers and Brady Johnson.

The trio combined for nearly half of the team’s tackles, and was key in a keeping the Pascagoula offense in check.

“Coach Penton and our defensive staff do an excellent job of getting prepared. We went in confident we could get some stops,” Owen said.

The team will look to build off the victory as it prepares to travel to Wayne County for the team’s next game on Oct. 4.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.