<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>

Beaufort High wanted to put its undefeated record on the line to find a tough test before the Class 4A playoffs, and the Eagles met their match.

Carolina Forest, the No. 10 team in Class 5A, raced out to a big lead and rolled to a 40-20 win over the visiting Eagles on Friday.

“We just got beat by a better team,” Beaufort coach Bryce Lybrand said. “They were stronger and more physical. It will be good for us in the long run.”

The Eagles’ normally dominant defensive line couldn’t slow down the Panthers’ ground game, as Luke Janack rushed for three touchdowns and Kyle Watkins added two rushing scores.

The Panthers raced out to a 27-0 lead before Tyler Haley and Marcus Goodwater hooked up for a TD pass to get the Eagles on the board before halftime.

Jaylin Houseal and Amariee Morris added rushing scores for Beaufort in the second half, but the Eagles couldn’t close the gap.

Beaufort (4-1) will have another tough test Friday, traveling to Savannah to face Benedictine.