Coral Shores Scores Late to Edge Panthers 25-21

Coral Shores scored a last-minute touchdown to erase the Panthers' lead and hand City of Coral Springs Charter School a 25-21 loss Friday night in a district game at home in Coral Springs. The Panthers led throughout the game before Coral Shores produced the decisive score, turning a strong performance by the home team into a difficult four-point defeat.

The Panthers built their advantage behind an efficient passing attack and carried the lead deep into the fourth quarter. Sophomore quarterback Kai Gray completed 10 of 14 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns, consistently putting the offense in position to finish drives. His accuracy helped the Panthers score 21 points and stay in front until Coral Shores' final push.

Lucas Pena led the receiving corps with four catches, including one of Gray's three touchdown passes. The connection gave the Panthers a reliable option through the air and highlighted an offensive effort that repeatedly answered the demands of a close game. City of Coral Springs Charter competed through clear skies and an 89-degree temperature at kickoff.

The defense also helped protect the lead by generating turnovers and creating additional opportunities for the offense. On special teams, Dash Waterman recorded multiple touchbacks and flipped field position in the punt game. Those contributions helped the Panthers control important stretches, but Coral Shores found the end zone in the final minute and held on for the 25-21 victory.

Despite the finish, the Panthers came away encouraged by their competitiveness, Gray's three-touchdown performance, the defense's ability to force turnovers and a strong showing in the kicking game. City of Coral Springs Charter will next travel to face Forest Hill at 6:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.