Blythewood quarterback Javon Smith (12-white) scrambles out of the backfield during Friday’s Jamboree against West Florence.
LUGOFF-ELGIN — Miscues, penalties and some big plays became the storyline for the Blythewood Bengals Friday night as they fell to the Knights of West Florence 17-7 in the Lugoff-Elgin Jamboree. But in spite of the score, Blythewood head coach Dan Morgan saw some encouraging things, especially with his offense, that the Bengals can carry into this Friday’s season opener at South Pointe.
“Our offense is coming along,” Morgan said. “We are trying to make the corrections to mistakes during our scrimmages. Our kids are learning, and it’s still an install of a new system.”
After holding the Knights to a three-and-out on their first possession, the Bengal offense jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. Quarterback Javon Smith went 5-of-7 passing on the first Bengal possession for 48 yards, one of those a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lynard Jamsion.
With their rushing game limited by a stingy West Florence defense, Morgan decided to open up the air attack. But penalties hurt the Bengals on their second possession, allowing the Knights to answer with a touchdown of their own on their next drive, tying the contest at 7-7. The Knights pulled out front when a Smith pass was picked off by the West Florence defense and returned for a touchdown.
Still, Smith and Jamison were able to give fans an inside preview of what’s yet to come in 2013, with the offensive duo hooking up at least seven times. Jamison, who led the Bengals in receiving Friday, left a lot of fans amazed with some eye brow raising catches, including an 81-yard touchdown that was called back because of a penalty on the play.
“Those two are incredible athletes,” said Morgan. “My job is to get the ball in their hands, but our mistakes cost us.”
Rather than disappointment, Morgan sees great potential in his team. But he would like to see fewer penalties.
“I think our guys were just excited and wanted to make plays,” said Morgan. “But we over did it.”
Defensively, the Bengals held their ground, holding the Knights to one touchdown drive. They were simply put into too many tight situations, Morgan said.
“We have to keep moving the ball and put our defense in good situations,” said Morgan. “Our defense did a great job of bending and not breaking.”
Morgan believes this is a game that he can take to help further assist his preparations for their season opener against South Pointe Friday night.
“We have stuff to build off of right now and we’re just going to keep getting better every day,” he said.
The Stallions are coming off a 21-17 win last Friday at Irmo High School. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. in Rock Hill.
