NEWBERRY – Richard Winn traveled to Newberry on Sept. 8 to take on the Newberry Academy Eagles in game 3 of the regular season. Following a Richard Winn kick to open the game, Newberry scored on a 2-play, 80-yard drive as Thomas McClain crossed the goal line on a 55-yard run. Newberry failed to convert the two point attempt.
Richard Winn answered with a 52-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Charlie Bonds to receiver Drew Spiresand converted for two points to take the lead 8-6. The Eagles from Winnsboro would go on to a lopsided victory, scoring 59 unanswered points.
On their second scoring drive, Bonds ran the ball 71 yards into the endzone. The PAT was no good. Bonds scored again on a nine yard run and the Eagles converted the two-point conversion to go up 22-6.
Bonds scored twice more on the ground during the first half, once scurrying 20 yards for the score, and then again on a 40-yard scamper. Bonds also connected with Spires on a 55-yard pass during the first half. The Eagles’ scoring was rounded out by a 35-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Josh Tyndall. Richard Winn converted each of four 2-point attempts to bring the score to 52-6 heading into halftime.
In the second half, Bennett Nicholson took over the play calling at quarterback for Richard Winn, and found Spires open on a 43-yard pass for the Eagles’ final score of the night. Tyndall’s kick was good and Richard Winn led 59-6 as time expired.
Defensively, Richard Winn stuffed the Newberry offense. JT Wilkes led the defense with 7.5 tackles, followed by Joseph Stillwell and Landon Smith who had six each. Smith also recorded a sack.
Richard Winn Head Coach Paul Brigman said he was proud of the team effort.
“It was a good team win,” he said. “We were able to play a lot of our young guys. Hopefully that will help us build some depth as we go through the region schedule.”
Bonds completed six of 13 passing attempts for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Nicholson completed both passing attempts for 48 yards and a score. Spires was the primary receiving target, catching six passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns. Eli Smith had one reception for 35 yards. Bonds also led the Eagle rushing attack, running for 133 yards and four touchdowns on six carries. Smith also ran for 40 yards on two carries.
The Eagles travel to Holly Hill on Friday. Brigman looks forward to the contest.
“We understand the challenge before us. Holly Hill has been a great team for the past few years,” he said. “We are trying to get our program to their level, so this will be a good test to see where we are as a team, and how far we have left to go. Our kids are excited and we expect them to play well.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.