Quarterback JP Holsombake throws Mosley past Rickards in district win

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Mosley continued its dominant run against Leon County competition Saturday night, defeating Rickards 49-14 at Deane Bozeman Field to improve to 7-0 and move within one win of securing the Class 4A District 2 championship.

The Dolphins leaned on a balanced offensive attack led by senior quarterback JP Holsombake, who threw four touchdown passes. Three went to wide receiver Ga'Marcus Halstead, while Khalil Lauderdale hauled in the other. Running back Sammy Chisolm also found the end zone, and sophomore running back Kayden Seay added two rushing touchdowns as Mosley pulled away for another decisive victory.

The win came after a three-week break, but the Dolphins showed little rust as they continued their undefeated season.

Holsombake credited the team's leadership and preparation for its ability to remain focused.

"I'll give it to God first and foremost, but I think leadership played a big role in that," Holsombake said. "We've had three weeks off, and we're playing on a Saturday night, but leadership makes sure the guys are in check and focused on the game."

Holsombake's preparation also paid dividends against the Raiders' defense. The senior quarterback said studying film helped him anticipate what Rickards would do before the play developed.

"I watched a lot of film on my own, so I kind of knew what they were going to do before they did," Holsombake said. "It was just reading the defense and getting the ball to my playmakers."

Mosley's defense continued to reinforce its reputation as one of the team's biggest strengths, limiting Rickards to 14 points while creating opportunities for the Dolphins' offense.

"We felt coming into this year that we had a chance to have the best defense that we've had in my time here at Mosley," said coach Tommy Joe Whiddon said. "I think our defense has proven that over the course of the year."

Whiddon acknowledged that the Dolphins were not flawless, but he was pleased with the overall effort, particularly the defense's ability to create turnovers.

"I thought tonight, at times, our tackling was not great, but I think our energy and effort were good," Whiddon said. "Obviously, Kingston got a pick, and he forced the fumble that Dominick scooped up. So, again, guys making plays."

The game briefly turned tense in the first half when a skirmish broke out along the Mosley sideline. Players from both teams were separated, and the Dolphins went on to maintain control of the contest.

Whiddon said the team would address moments of lost focus while continuing to build toward the postseason.

Mosley closed out another convincing district victory, extending its unbeaten start to 7-0. The Dolphins now turn their attention to their biggest test of the regular season. Mosley will travel to Leon (7-0) on Friday, Oct. 23, with the Class 4A District 2 title on the line.

Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiPCSport.