By Thomas Grant Jr.
The tough non-region schedule for Gray Collegiate concluded with arguably its most formidable foe.
Defending Class 5A champion Dutch Fork invited the War Eagles for a first-time matchup. It’s also the first of two straight meetings against charter schools for the Silver Foxes.
Gray Collegiate ended up on the losing end of a 35-0 shutout. The offense was held to 143 total yards, quarterback Tyler Waller was sacked three times and the defense was hit early with quick scores in falling behind 28-0 at haltime.
The War Eagles opened the second half with an eight-minute drive. After turning the ball over on downs, Gray Collegiate regained possession on an interception by Da’Von Toney inside of Dutch Fork territory.
Dutch Fork’s defense held firm once again and went on to post their second straight shutout and 21st since 2016.
Afterwards, Gray Collegiate head coach De’Angelo Bryant stressed to his team the importance of “not leaving plays on the field” against a team like Dutch Fork.
“We challenged them as a staff in the second half,” he said. “I thought they responded very well. The offense came out, sustained some drives and was able to make a couple of plays here and there. And then, our defense I thought…did some things and eventually (Dutch Fork) found the endzone. But it wasn’t like it was – a foot race – in the first half.
“One of the good things is we know that these guys are fighters, that’s a good thing.”
Bryant praised the effort upfront of Eathan Raysor, Zeb Taylor, Carter Stephens, and Trequan Singleton and was pleased with linebacker LJ Holley in his return from injury.
Gray Collegiate (1-2) opens Region 4-4A play Friday at home against Midland Valley (0-3).
Winless Airport and Brookland-Cayce also compete in the same region. The Lexington School District Two rivals are each seeking its first win of the season Friday at home.
The Eagles are coming off a 31-7 loss to Westwood, while the Bearcats fell to ranked May River 35-13.
Gators still unbeaten,
NCA bounces back
For the second time in three years, River Bluff football is 4-0 to start the season.
It needed a defensive stop by linebacker Blaine Felder on a potential go-ahead 2-point conversion by Gilbert to win 14-13.
“I told him I loved him,” River Bluff coach Blair Hardin told the media about Felder. “I want to kick his butt sometimes, but I am proud of him. We bowed up in a tough game and it is good to have that experience before we get into region play.”
River Bluff had a 7-0 lead at halftime following a 9-yard touchdown pass by Parker Murray to Stephen Collier. After Gilbert tied the game with 7:52 left in the second quarter, the Gators answered with a 9-play, 68-yard drive capped by a Lathen Smalls’ 1-yard touchdown which proved to be the game winner.
Murray finished 16-20 for 121 yards, Hayden Myers rushed for 87 yards and Stephen Collier had seven receptions for 50 yards.
In SCISA, Northside Christian Academy (3-1, 0-1) rebounded from its first loss of the season with a 22-7 victory over Andrew Jackson Academy.
Trevor Hoffman had nine carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He had a 79-yard touchdown run and also led the team with 10 tackles at linebacker.
For the season, Hoffman leads the Crusaders with 61 tackles.
S.C. PREP FOOTBALL MEDIA POLL
Class 5A
1. Dutch Fork (18) (3-0)
2. Gaffney (1) (3-0)
3. Northwestern (4-0)
4. Summerville (3-0)
5. Irmo (4-0)
6. Sumter (4-0)
8. JL Mann (2-1)
7. Hillcrest (3-0)
9. White Knoll (2-1)
10. Boiling Springs (3-0)
Others receiving votes: TL Hanna, Spartanburg, Chapin, River Bluff, Blythewood, Greenwood
Class 4A
1. Westside (19) (3-0)
2. Daniel (2-1)
3. Camden (3-1)
4. May River (4-0)
5. South Pointe (2-2)
6. Richland Northeast (4-0)
8. Wren (3-1)
7. Seneca (4-0)
9. South Florence (2-2)
10 Gray Collegiate (1-2)
Others receiving votes: North Augusta, Hartsville, Bishop England, AC Flora, Hilton Head Island, Crestwood
FRIDAY’S GAMES
(All Games start at 7:30 p.m.)
Aiken at Airport
South Aiken at Brookland-Cayce
Midland Valley at Gray Collegiate
Northside Christian Academy at Spartanburg Christian Academy
Cheraw at River Bluff
Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.
