WINNSBORO – Fans donned camouflage for “Camo Night” at Ruff Field on Friday, September 29, as the Richard Winn Eagles hunted for their fifth win of the season against the Eagles of Conway Christian.
Conway Christian won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. Conway Christian and quarterback Will Kunkle took the first snap at their own 40 yard line, handing the ball to fullback Bryson Pardue who gained three yards. Conway Christian got to the six yard line on a run-heavy drive before the Richard Winn defense forced two incomplete passes to take over possession.
Richard Winn’s Drew Spires gained 52 yards on a handoff from quarterback Charlie Bonds, and the Eagles never looked back. Two plays later, Spires gained 35 yards on a handoff from Bonds for Richard Winn’s first score of the night. Spires converted the two-point play to put the Eagles ahead 8-0.
Richard Winn regained possession after a perfectly executed pooch kick by Josh Tyndall. The Eagles forced a fumble that was recovered by Micah Smith, giving Richard Winn excellent field position at the Conway Christian 45 yard line. Bonds gained 20 yards on a quarterback keeper before finding Eli Smith open on a screen pass. Smith trucked a Conway Christian defender on his way to the endzone. Bonds converted for two points and Richard Winn led 16-0.
Conway Christian’s next drive resulted in a turnover on downs following two sacks by the home team defense. Kunkle threw an interception to Spires who returned the ball to the Conway Christian 37 yard line. Landon Smith ran for 36 yards to the one yard line, and got the call on the next play to punch the ball across the goal line. Tyndall’s kick was good to give the Eagles a 23-0 lead.
Richard Winn took over on downs following a three-and-out and a punt from Conway Christian. Spires returned the punt 30 yards to the 32 yard line. On first and 10, Bonds connected with Tony Armstrong for a 32-yard touchdown. Tyndall’s kick put the Eagles ahead 30-0.
Conway Christian moved the ball to within striking distance for the second time in the first half, but failed to convert after Kunkle threw his second interception to Spires, who ran 92 yards for the score. Tyndall’s kick gave the Eagles a commanding lead, 37-0, heading into halftime.
Richard Winn received the kickoff to start the third quarter, and wasted no time finding the endzone. Bennett Nicholson took over play calling for the Eagles and gave the ball to Eli Smith who ran 28 yards for the touchdown. With Tyndall’s kick, the Eagles moved ahead 44-0.
Richard Winn had possession once more in the second half due to the running clock, and a series of handoffs from Nicholson to Hoffman Sharpe carried the Eagles down the field. Sharpe took a pitch from Nicholson around the left end five yards for the Eagles’ final score of the night. Richard Winn led 51-0 after Tyndall completed the point-after kick.
Head Coach Paul Brigman praised the team’s effort.
“Our guys are working hard and we feel like we have improved as the year has gone on,” he said. “We will enjoy the win, but we all know that it is going to get tougher as we get closer to playoffs, and we must continue to progress if we plan on meeting our goals for the season.”
The Eagles gained 285 yards on offense. Bonds was two of three passing for 57 yards and two touchdowns. Armstrong was the leading receiver with 32 yards and one touchdown, followed by Eli Smith who caught one pass for 25 yards and a touchdown. Drew Spires was the leading rusher for the Eagles, gaining 104 yards on three carries and one score. Landon Smith, Hoffman Sharpe, and Eli Smith also recorded rushing touchdowns. Spires also played well on the defensive side of the ball, recording 13.5 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions, including the 92-yard return for a touchdown. JT Wilkes had 9.5 tackles, and Ben Clowney also recorded a sack.
Richard Winn will travel to Summerville on Friday, October 6, to battle the Faith Christian School Knights. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.
