BLYTHEWOOD – A week after an impressive victory last week over Upstate power Rock Hill High School, the Bengals of Blythewood High School looked to carry that energy Friday night to a 2-0 start. Led by their senior leaders, quarterback David Isreal and running back Osei Thomas, the Bengals defeated rivals Ridge View in a tight one Friday, 28-14.
“Defeating two good teams two weeks in a row is a hard task, but I am proud of how we came to play, despite early troubles,” Blythewood head coach Dan Morgan said. “We’ve just got to keep our boys focused on the 15 steps we set for ourselves before the season started.”
Isreal used his arm to drive the pace of the early stages of the game. Completing passes to his big targets, such as 6-foot-5 senior Trae Churn in the middle of the field, Isreal opened up the running lanes for Thomas as the opening drive progressed. After converting one fourth down conversion on their opening drive, the Bengals ultimately stalled on their second fourth down attempt, giving the Blazers an opportunity to cash in on the Bengals’ misfortune.
The Blazers ground game moved the ball on the Bengals as they ate up a lot of clock on their first drive. Penalties and big first down conversions began to take a toll on the Bengal defense as Ridge View looked to capitalize early with a score. But Blythewood defensive back Khris Pam ended the drive, intercepting a Jaylen Nelson pass deep in Bengal territory.
Blythewood wasted no time capitalizing with a quick seven-play drive ending with a 43-yard touchdown run by Thomas giving the Bengals a 7-0 lead late into the first quarter.
“Osei had a heck of game, despite going (with a minor fourth-quarter injury),” Morgan said. “We just have to make sure we keep him healthy because we will need him as we get deep into the season, as well as the continued good play from our quarterback, David Isreal. Those two are key components to helping us earn victories.”
After another failed Blazer drive going into the second quarter the Bengal offense took no chances on not coming away with points. Thomas took the Bengals into the end zone again with a 3-yard touchdown run after a five-play, 78-yard drive extending the Bengal lead to 14-0.
Ridge View responded with a touchdown run by Nelson helping the Blazers cut the lead to 14-7 after a fumble by the Bengals offense deep in their own territory. Blythewood did not let the mishap prove too costly as they drove the field using eight plays to earn another 3-yard touchdown run by Thomas to give them a 21-7 lead at the half.
The third quarter was a defensive showdown as both teams halted offensive progress to leave the game still with the Bengals leading 21-7. As both teams made costly mistakes by way of fumbles and sacks, Ridge View was the first to take advantage of the miscues.
Nelson scored his second touchdown of the game on a 14-yard run cutting the fourth-quarter Bengal lead to 21-14.
Isreal made sure the Blazers would not have any comebacks, using his arm and legs to lead the Bengals down the field. Isreal connected with junior wide receiver Jacob McGuire on a 26-yard touchdown pass to seal the game and win for the Bengals, 28-14. Blythewood hosts the Lexington Wildcats this Friday at 7:30 p.m. as the Bengals look to go 3-0 for the first time since 2009.
BHS: 7-14-0-7 – 28
RV: 0-7-0-7 – 14
First Quarter
BH – Osei Thomas 43 run. Cody Turner kick. (1:08)
Second Quarter
BH – O. Thomas 3 run. C. Turner kick. (8:57)
RV – J. Nelson 1 run. N. Lawyer kick. (4:06)
BH – O. Thomas 3 run. C. Turner kick. (1:38)
Fourth Quarter
RV – J. Nelson 14 run. N. Lawyer kick. (10:55)
BH – Jacob McGuire 26 pass from David Isreal. C Turner kick. (4:42)
BHS RVHS
First Downs 22 23
Rushes/Yards 40-168 52-321
Passing Yards 224 69
C-A-I 12-23-0 6-25-2
Fumbles/Lost 2-1 1-0
Penalties/Yards 9-79 10-93
Rushing: B – Osei Thomas 17-113, David Isreal 11-36, Timel Benton 3-18, Justin Dunn 6-12, TEAM 3 -(-11). RV – J. Nelson 26-130, A. Kelley 14-112, S. Hinson 9-86, R. Brown 2-4, TEAM 1 –(-11).
Receiving: B – Trae Churn 4-59, Kenny Benton 3-68, Jacob McGuire 2-42, Daquan Patten 2-39, Timel Benton 1-16. RV – A. Kelley 3-4, C. Napper 1-30, C. Butler 1-28, T. High 1-7.
Passing: B – David Isreal 12-23, 224 yards, TD. RV – J. Nelson 6-25, 69 yards, 2INT.