The Ariton Purple Cats survived a sluggish start on their way to a comfortable 44-14 win over R.C. Hatch in Friday’s opening round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

The win gave the Panthers win number 10 win of the season.

“I thought we played pretty well,” said head coach Steven Kilcrease. “We were a little sluggish in the second quarter, but I thought the guys played well.

The Eagles jumped out a 15-0 lead early before allowing R.C. Hatch to cut in their lead with a touchdown bringing the score to 15-7. Maddux Herring connected with Bryson Peavy to send the game into halftime with Ariton leading 22-7.

After a pick six by R.C. Hatch out of the break made it 22-14, the Purple Cats rattled off 22 unanswered points.

Kape McRae finished the game with two rushing touchdowns, while Herring and Damion Aldridge had one touchdown on the ground.

Herring finished with two touchdown passes on the night. Along with the touchdown pass to Peavy, he threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to Josh Sullivan for the game’s first touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball Blake Carroll had 13 tackles to lead the team and he also had a blocked punt. Daniel Hicks had 10 tackles, while Peavy had eight.

With the win the Purple Cats advance to take on Leroy at home next Friday night.