Bailey, Green power Palmetto past rival Killian to retain Big Cat Trophy
Crushing hits, hustle and opportunistic defense shifted momentum while quarterback Andre Bailey accounted for six scores to lead Palmetto past rival Killian on Friday at Tropical Park.
The senior quarterback rushed for two scores, while throwing for four, including a trio in the second half of the 42-21 triumph. With the win, the Panthers (3-1) ruined the Cougars’ (3-1) perfect start and extended their winning streak to four in the battle for the Big Cat Trophy.
“Our biggest thing was just playing our own football and not letting all the noise get in our heads,” Bailey said. “That’s our mentality: Play Palmetto football. It was a good team win.”
The Panthers and Cougars exchanged game-opening, five-minute touchdown drives on the rain soaked surface. Panthers defenders then stalked the Cougars offense, delivering rib rattling hits to jar balls loose and knock their foes out of rhythm.
Bailey found C.J. Miller with a 20-yard pass over the middle late in the first quarter. The senior wide receiver fumbled the ball, but managed to jump on top of it in the end zone to give the lead back to the Panthers, who never trailed again.
Senior defensive back Braylen Green gave the Panthers game-altering confidence with a forced fumble and interception in the first half. The Panthers, who led 22-7 at the break, continued their surge of 28-consecutive points with two scores in the third quarter. Bailey found Miller with a 45-yard touchdown pass in the final minutes to emphasize the victory.
“We came off a big Columbus win and we said ‘that ain’t it,’” Green said. We’ve got to keep going.’ They were talking too much on the internet. We talk between the lines.”
Miller caught eight passes for 111 yards and two scores. Seniors Willie Wilson and Samuel Altuis also caught touchdown passes for the Panthers.
Brandon Howard and Jaiden Henry were among the Panthers with sacks in the victory. Freshman quarterback Jeremiah Lee threw two touchdown passes for the Cougars.
Palmetto will play its next game at 7 p.m. next Thursday at Coral Gables while Killian will play at 4 p.m. next Friday, Sept. 26 at Gulliver Prep.
This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 4:37 AM.