JOHNSTON – Two undefeated teams met in Johnston on Friday, September 20, as Richard Winn traveled to take on the Wardlaw Academy Patriots. Eagles Head Coach Paul Brigman anticipated the challenge: “Wardlaw was a tough opponent, they had not been beaten all year, so we knew that going on the road to their place was going to be tough.”
The Patriots returned the opening kickoff to the Richard Winn 45 yard line before stalling on the drive and turning the ball over on downs.
On Richard Winn’s first offensive possession, quarterback Charlie Bonds led a 75-yard scoring drive capped by a 42 yard run by Bonds into the endzone. A successful two-point attempt by Bennett Nicholson gave the Eagles an 8-0 lead with six minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The Patriots’ second offensive drive found quarterback Colt Bailey leading Wardlaw to the four yard line, only to be stopped by the Eagle defense. Wardlaw again turned the ball over on downs, but the Patriots defense stifled the Eagles’ offense after Bonds guided the Eagles to their own 40 yard line. A fourth down stop by the Patriots at the Richard Winn 30 yard line gave the Patriots possession with three minutes left in the half. The Patriots would not be denied on this drive, marching 27 yards before Bailey found Jackson Smoak for a three yard touchdown pass. Wardlaw completed the two-point play to tie the game 8-8 heading into halftime.
The Eagles received the kickoff to open the second half, returning the ball to their own 25 yard line. Bonds commanded the offense 48 yards downfield, and from the Wardlaw 27 yard line, connected with Nicholson for the score. Bonds’ two-point conversion put the Eagles up 16-8.
Neither team would score again in the third quarter. Both teams traded blows defensively before Richard Winn regained possession following a Patriots punt. Bonds found an open receiver in Jake Gaillard for a 30 yard touchdown. The Eagles failed to convert for two points, but extended their lead to 14.
Wardlaw answered with their own score as Bailey rushed for a one-yard touchdown. The Patriots cut the lead to 6 after successfully completing a two-point conversion. With four minutes remaining in regulation, the Eagles were ahead 22-16.
The Eagles received the Patriots kickoff and Bonds orchestrated a one-minute scoring drive after finding Josh Tyndall open for a 47 yard score. Bonds crossed the goal line for two points and gave the Eagles a 30-16 lead. Bonds would seal the game for the Eagles after intercepting a Bailey pass with two minutes left in the game.
Brigman praised the resilience of his team, saying, “It was a great team win. They [Wardlaw] did a good job of limiting our possessions, and were able to keep the game tight. Our guys really stepped up with the game on the line, and we were able to come out on top.”
Bonds completed six of his 10 pass attempts for 104 yards and three touchdowns. Bonds carried the ball 11 times for 163 yards and a score. Eli Smith ran 81 yards on 12 carries. Gaillard led the receiving corps with two catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Tyndall had one reception for 47 yards and a score. Nicholson also caught one pass for 27 yards and a touchdown.
The Eagles will host Oakbrook Prep on Monday, Sept. 30, due to forecasted severe weather for Friday. Kickoff has been moved up one hour and is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Ruff Field in Winnsboro. Richard Winn Homecoming activities have been rescheduled to Friday, October 11.
