Blythewood’s Jacob Rabon carries a David Israel pass for a first down. (Photo/Kristy Kimball Massey)
COLUMBIA – Known for their dynamic offense, it was the defense that boosted the Blythewood Bengals to a 27-12 win over the Richland Northeast Cavaliers on Friday night. The game was sloppy for both teams, featured 14 combined penalties for 99 yards and saw the Bengals and Cav’s together go four-for-22 on third down conversions.
“At times we just loss focus and we have to become more consistent,” Blythewood head coach Dan Morgan said. “If we want to become a threat in the playoffs we have to start buying into everything more on every snap.”
The Bengals entered Friday averaging 28.3 points per game on more than 250 yards, and 13 first downs per game. But Blythewood failed to move the chains as much against the Cavaliers’ defense, only converting one of seven third-down conversions. Despite the struggles offensively, the Bengals defense played very well, holding the Cavaliers to only 196 yards of total offense.
“We’re close but we are not disciplined enough yet and that’s on us coaches, but were going to get it fixed, said Morgan. “Richland Northeast has some good athletes over there and if you play sloppy, then they are going to take it to you. “
Blythewood quarterback David Israel finished with 208 passing yards, hitting 12 of 19 attempts with two touchdowns — along with three interceptions. Jacob Rabon had a great game also with four catches and 100 yards. Javon Smith also returned to the Bengals’ sideline Friday, but played the entire game as a wide receiver — finishing with three catches for 43 yards. Smith is not set to play quarterback just yet as he continues to nurse his hand injury.
“Jacob Rabon got a lot of passes and it was nice to have Javon Smith back. (Smith) was an instant impact on this game,” said Morgan. “I love (Smith’s) leadership at quarterback but the biggest thing is his throwing ability. He can catch the ball but he hasn’t been able to bend his hand into a fist yet.”
Despite the won-loss records of the next three opponents for the Bengals finishing the season, Morgan understands the road to the playoffs will not come easy for his team and they should continue to work hard.
“The biggest thing I want to focus on us. Until we get to where we can play 48 minutes of football then were are not going to get to the next level in the playoffs,” said Morgan. “We are going to work hard this week. We have a good chance of finishing strong this season.”
The Bengals improve to 5-3 and 1-1 in 4A Region IV. Blythewood will be heading back home this Friday night to face off against Lugoff-Elgin. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
BHS RNE
First Downs 11 13
Rushes/Yards 24-98 42-74
Passing Yards 208 122
C-A-I 12-19-3 12-26-0
Fumbles/Lost 1-1 1-1
Penalties/Yards 9-64 5-35
Third Down Conv. 1-7 3-15
Fourth Down Conv. 0-0 1-4
RUSHING: BHS – Lynard Jamison 8-61, De’Andre Fletcher 4-22, Darius Burris 1-11, Osei Thomas 3-8, Joseph Richardson 1-2, Dabreon Benson 2-0, David Israel 4-(-2), Javon Smith 1-(-4). RNE – Moorer 9-36, Kelly 24-25, Burrell 7-14, Benjamin 1-1.
RECEIVING: BHS – Jacob Rabon 4-100, Javon Smith 3-43, Lynard Jamison 2-33, De’Andre Fletcher 1-21, Joseph Richardson 1-7, Trae Churn 1-4. RNE – Dickerson 3-33, Holliday 2-58, Todd 2-7, Burrell 2-0, Brown 1-14, Moorer 1-5, Scott 1-5.
PASSING: BHS – David Israel 12-19, 208 yards, 3 INT, 2 TD. RNE – Kelly 12-26, 122 yards.