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When Southside needed to keep its playoff hopes alive, the Panthers turned to Christopher Thomas.

The junior quarterback accounted for six touchdowns and 342 yards of total offense as the Panthers prevailed over Monroe County 42-29 on Thursday night at Panther Stadium.

The Panthers (4-3, 2-3) won their second straight Region contest on Homecoming and Senior Night.

“It was a huge win for us,” Panthers coach Charles Moody said. “We wanted to send our seniors out with a win and give the alumni a win for Homecoming.”

Thomas threw for 179 yards and three touchdown passes. He also ran for 123 yards and three more scores. He had a game-clinching interception return for 40 yards.

Monroe County led 8-6 after one quarter and 16-14 at halftime.

Thomas’ 10 yard TD pass to Christopher Bonner came in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Thomas’ 6-yard TD run and Thomas’ 2-point conversion pass to Johnson brought the Panthers to within two points at halftime.

The Panthers scored 14 third quarter points to lead 28-22. Thomas’ 45 yard TD pass to Marriyon Johnson, Thomas’ 2-point conversion and 5-yard TD run.

The Tigers tied the game at 28-all in the fourth quarter, but the Panthers scored the last two touchdowns.

Thomas’ 50-yard TD pass to Marquavious Pullom and Thomas’ 25-yard TD run were the knockout punch to Monroe County.