The football team missed an opportunity to take sole possession of the Region 6-AAAA lead when it lost 27-21 to Marist last Friday. Kendrun Malcome scored all three touchdowns for the Panthers, who dropped their first region game. Southwest DeKalb (6-2, 6-1) outgained Marist, which remained undefeated in region play, but could not get the win. The Panthers were coming off of a 47-14 homecoming victory over Lithonia on Oct. 17. In that contest, SWD led 14-7 at halftime before second-half touchdown runs from Malcome, Michael Johnson and Marvis Gates broke the game open. Terrance Smith also scored off of his own blocked punt. The Panthers next play Tucker on Saturday at Hallford Stadium. … The softball team made the State Sectionals, falling to Whitewater 8-0 in the first game and to Sequoyah 10-2 in the second game. Elexica Simmons drove in both of the Panthers’ runs against Sequoyah, as the team only trailed 3-2 in the sixth inning. Imani Gayle pitched well and Imani Cabell (outfield) and Davynn Brown (catcher) provided good defense. … Freshman Greciana Cooper (21:36.09) placed third for the girls and Jared Williams (17:50.71) finished 11th for the boys at the DeKalb County Cross Country Championships.