BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood started fast, but could not sustain the early momentum in a 25-7 loss to Irmo in a key Region 4-4A game Friday at home.
The loss cost the Bengals (6-4, 2-2) a chance to clinch a second-place region finish and a home game in the first round of the approaching Class 4A state playoffs. Dan Morgan’s team closes out the regular season next week against neighboring Ridge View.
“This was a huge game because second place and a home game went to the winner,” said Morgan. “I have all the respect in the world of Irmo. They earned it because they made the plays and we didn’t.”
Morgan said he believes his team has enough points to make the postseason cut, but wants to go into the playoffs on a positive note with a win over the archrival Blazers.
“I don’t want to back into the playoffs,” said Morgan. “I want us going in full steam ahead, so we have to get off the mat.”
The Bengals broke the ice with a 78-yard scoring pass from David Israel to Jacob Rabon on their third offensive play of the game, but that was the extent of the Blythewood offense. In the end, the Bengals managed just 137 offensive yards. Six turnovers – four lost fumbles, two interceptions – doomed the Blythewood attack.
“We had chances for takeaways, too, but Irmo made the plays and we didn’t,” said Morgan. “They physically took it too us. Defensively, we played well but we just made too many mistakes on offense. It’s hard to win when you turn the ball over as much as we did.”
Two of Irmo’s scores were produced by the defense.
Irmo defensive lineman Khari Stone-Marshall scooped up an Israel fumble after a sack at the 6-yard line and ran it in to cut Blythewood’s lead to 7-6 with 1:46 remaining in the first half. The Yellow Jackets took the lead for good 76 seconds later on a beautifully executed 39-yard pass from Demetrius Lewis to Channing Quattlebaum.
Irmo added two insurance scores in the fourth quarter, the last coming on a 46-yard interception return by Calvin Rowland.
Irmo (5-5, 3-1) finished with a balanced, 230-yard offensive night – producing 113 yards by land, 117 by air.
Israel had a rough night in the wet conditions. He passed for 166 yards, but fumbled the ball away two times and was picked off twice. Rabon continued his strong play with three catches for 116 yards.
Hassan Belton and Terrel Vaughn led a solid defensive effort by the Bengals. Belton had a team-high 13 tackles, while Vaughn was credited with 12 tackles and one sack.
Blythewood is now 0-4 all-time against Irmo.
IHS – 0-12-0-13 – 25
BHS – 7-0-0-0 – 7
First Quarter
BHS – Jacob Rabon 78 pass from David Israel. Greg Huegel kick. (7:07)
Second Quarter
IHS – Khari Stone-Marshall 6 fumble return. Kick failed. (1:46)
IHS – Channing Quattlebaum 39 pass from Demetrius Lewis. Run failed. (0:30)
Fourth Quarter
IHS – D. Lewis 5 run. Cameron Hanna kick. (11:50)
IHS – Calvin Rowland 46 INT return. Kick blocked. (7:02)
IHS BHS
First Downs 25 7
Rushes/Yards 47-113 32(-13)
Passing Yards 117 166
C-A-I 8-29-0 10-27-2
Fumbles/Lost 4-2 9-4
Penalties/Yards 7-36 8-57
Rushing: IHS – Copeland 25-116, Lewis 16-14. BHS – Blunt 8-37, Richardson 5-22, Israel 8-(-28).
Receiving: IHS – Holmes 3-58, Quattlebaum 1-39. BHS – Jamison 3-26, Rabon 3-116.
Passing: IHS – Lewis 8-29, 117 yards, TD. BHS – Israel 10-27, 166 yards, TD, 2 INT.