By Thomas Grant Jr.
Feature photos by Thomas Grant Jr. – Brookland-Cayce quarterback Andrew Frick
Playing on the newly-christened Les Evans Field, Airport looked to avoid a winless season Thursday night.
The Eagles also looked to snap a 6-game losing streak to archrival Brookland-Cayce.
Although they fell to the Bearcats 20-13, it was the closest margin since the 35-32 loss in 2019.
Airport fell behind 20-0 in the first half. Brookland-Cayce quarterback Andrew Frick threw two touchdowns to Barry Dixon and Mekhi Pringle and Avery King had a 12-yard rushing score.
Meanwhile, Airport committed four turnovers. Just before halftime, the Eagles used trickery to get within 20-6 at halftime.
With the ball at the Brookland-Cayce 31, backup quarterback Talon Harlin and offensive lineman Jonathan Brown teamed up for a “hook and ladder” play. Harlin caught the football at the 28, then lateraled to Brown who raced down the sidelines for the touchdown.
At halftime, Airport recognized its 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame class. The enshrined members were Taylor Payne Allen, Connie Beall, Tyler Corbitt, Alex Pappas and Carl Van Sewell.
The family of the late Evans was also recognized at halftime.
The lone score of the second half was a 32-yard touchdown pass by freshman Nolan O’Hara to Zayvian Williams. The Bearcats hurt themselves with close to 20 penalties, but managed to stop Airport on its final drive that reached the 6-yard line.
Brookland-Cayce (3-7, 3-4) will head on the road for its first-round Class 4A playoff game against Gray Collegiate. Airport (0-10, 0-7) ends the season with its 11th straight loss.
War Eagles get 3rd seed
(Photo by George Matsui)
Gray Collegiate Academy closed out the regular season with a 7-game winning streak.
All of the victories took place in Region 4-4A. The War Eagles closed out the region championship with a 49-0 shutout of Gilbert.
Trevon Williamson rushed for three touchdowns against his former school and both quarterbacks Tyler Waller and Xavier Wright each threw a touchdown.
Waller was 7-7 for 115 yards, while Wright was 9-11 for 130 yards. Wide receiver Corey Gleaton had six receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Linebacker Michael Boulware had a team-high 17 tackles for Gray Collegiate (8-2, 7-0).
CWC teams learn playoff opponents
River Bluff and Pelion head into the post-season with momentum following double-digit victories.
River Bluff versus Lexington
The Gators defeated archrival Lexington 38-17 on Oct. 30 as running back Hayden Myers posted a career-best 300 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Darius Carter had six receptions for 99 yards and Josiah Robinson had 12 tackles for River Bluff (6-4, 2-3), which will play host to Cane Bay in the opening round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs.
The Panthers closed out the regular season with a 50-7 win over American Leadership Academy.
Quarterback Alan Moore threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns and Trey Jackson rushed for 174 yards and two scores.
Wide receiver Jai Chuniesingh had six receptions for 124 yards and three touchdowns. One of his touchdowns occurred on a 37-yard halfback option pass by running back Brady Cottingham.
Pelion (5-5, 2-3) finished the regular season in a 3-way tie with Saluda and Ninety-Six for third place in Region 2-2A. It will travel to Liberty for the opening round of the Class 2A playoffs.
Swansea had an opportunity to win the Region 4-2A title. Instead, it was shut out 43-0 by undefeated Newberry and will open the Class 3A Lower State playoffs at home against Marlboro County.
Crusaders head to playoffs
Northside Christian Academy was outscored 31-6 in the second half of a 57-36 loss to Camden Military School.
Despite the loss, the Crusaders (3-7) advanced to the SCISA Class 3A playoffs. They will travel to Pinewood Prep.
FINAL S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL
Class 4A
1. South Pointe (17) (9-1), 2. South Florence (1) (9-1), 3. AC Flora (9-1), 4. Gray Collegiate (8-2), 5. Daniel (9-1), 6. North Augusta (9-1), 7. Hilton Head (9-1), 8. Seneca (9-1), 9. Camden (7-3) 10. (tie) Bluffton (8-2) & Westside (7-3)
Others receiving votes: Wren
Class 3A
1. Belton-Honea Path (13) (10-2), 2. Oceanside Collegiate (4) (8-2), 3. Newberry (1) (10-0), 4. Loris (10-0), 5. Woodruff (9-1), 6. Mountain View Prep (8-1), 7. Dillon (7-3), 8. Powdersville (8-2), 9. Orangeburg-Wilkinson (9-1), 10. Crescent (7-3)
Others receiving votes: Marlboro County, Swansea, Christ Church
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