Williams leads Dolphins over Panthers 24-17 Eds: APNewsNow. Dolphins 24, Panthers 17. NOTE Montana interest.

AP Photo NCCB108, NFLSUP, NFLSUP By MIKE CRANSTON AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Ricky Williams rushed for 119 yards and scored three touchdowns, and the Miami Dolphins beat the Carolina Panthers 24-17 on Thursday night for their fourth win in six games.

A day after learning Brown is lost for the season, the Dolphins (5-5) continued their surge after an 0-3 start behind Williams. The 2002 NFL rushing champion had a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game for the first time in his career that included a couple of lost seasons.

It was enough to beat the Panthers (4-6) when Jake Delhomme's (del-OHM's) desperation pass into the end zone was knocked down as time expired.

Miami running back Lex Hilliard of Kalispell, Mont., who came in without an NFL carry, ran four times for 24 yards.

Kicker Dan Carpenter of Helena, Mont., also plays for the Dolphins.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-20-09 0201CST | save this article / add to your favorites list