EDGEFIELD – The Richard WInn Academy Eagles traveled to Edgefield on Friday, October 20, looking to claim the region title with a win over the Wardlaw Academy Patriots. Wardlaw won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.
Quarterback Colt Bailey led the Patriots’ opening drive to the Richard Winn 32 yard line before stalling and turning the ball over to the Eagles.
Richard Winn quarterback Charlie Bonds connected with Drew Spires on a 37-yard touchdown pass to round out a 4-play, 62 yard drive. The Eagles converted for two points and took the lead, 8-0.
The Eagles scored again on their next drive after Bonds gave the ball to Spires for an 11-yard run into the endzone. The Eagles failed to complete the two-point play, but led 14-0.
Bailey helped the Patriots get on the board after running the ball five yards across the goal line, completing a 12-play, 71-yard drive. The Patriots converted for two points.
The Patriots got the ball back after recovering an onside kick, and tied the game at 14 after Jesse Cleveland scored on a two-yard rush. Wardlaw could not complete the two-point conversion.
Richard Winn answered on their final possession before halftime, as Bonds found Josh Tyndall open for a 35-yard completion and score. Bonds converted for two points, and the Eagles were up 22-14 going into halftime.
Wardlaw struck first in the second half after Bailey scurried five yards for a score. Faust broke the plane for two points to even the score at 22.
Bonds commanded a five-play, 38-yard drive before scampering across the goal line four yards for a touchdown. Eli Smith’s 2-point conversion was successful to put the Eagles ahead 30-22.
Bailey answered with a 45-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point play by Cleveland, and the game was tied once again.
Spires scored the final touchdown of the night on a two-yard dash, and converted for two points to give the Eagles the win, 38-30.
“Our defense stood up in the end and closed out the game for us,” head coach Paul Brigman said.
Spires led the defense with 14.5 tackles, followed by Aaron Geddens who had 10 tackles, and Ryan Mills who had 9.5 tackles including one sack. Ben Clowney and JT Wilkes also had 9 stops, including a sack for Wilkes. Bonds was seven for eight through the air for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Spires led in receptions with three for 77 yards and one touchdown. Tyndall also scored a receiving touchdown. Bonds ran 62 yards on 10 carries for one score, and Spires found the endzone twice on the ground, running for 52 yards on five carries.
“Our guys fought hard in a very physical battle. We had a few mistakes that kept the game close,” said Brigman. “But it feels good to have the Region Championship back in our hands, after last year’s disappointment.” The Eagles will have home field advantage in the playoffs following Friday night’s victory.
The Eagles will close out the regular season on Senior Night at Ruff Field in Winnsboro on Friday, October 27, against Laurens Academy. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.
