WINNSBORO – The Richard Winn Eagles celebrated Senior Night in their season finale last Friday night, honoring seniors of all fall sports prior to the game. Eagle football seniors Justin Autry, Charlie Bonds, Turner Burchell, Jake Gaillard, Aaron Geddings, Harlan Kamb, Joseph Stillwell, Grant Taylor, and Josh Tyndall served as captains for the game.
The Eagles stamped the Senior Night victory with 440 total yards on offense while holding Colt Bailey of Wardlaw to just 72 rushing yards, well below his 223 yards per game average coming into the game.
Eli Smith led the Eagles on the ground, running for 140 yards on 13 attempts and scoring a touchdown. Senior Charlie Bonds rushed for 101 yards on 12 carries and two scores.
Bonds also completed all four of his passes for 101 yards and two more touchdowns. Senior Josh Tyndall was the leading receiver of the night, catching two passes for 83 yards and crossing the goal line once. Senior Grant Taylor also caught two passes for 10 yards and a touchdown.
The Eagles scored on every offensive possession, and by halftime Richard Winn was beating the Wardlaw Academy Patriots 31 to 14. The Eagle defense prevented the Patriots from scoring in the second half.
Bonds led the defense with eight tackles. Seniors Aaron Geddings and Jake Gaillard recorded seven tackles each, while Gaillard also had a sack and a fumble recovery. JT Wilkes had five tackles and a sack. Senior Justin Autry had four tackles and caused a fumble. Bennett Nicholson scored on a 40 yard intercepted pass from Chandler Thorne. Seniors Joseph Stillwell and Turner Burchell had two tackles apiece.
Eagle Head Coach Paul Brigman applauded the win. “We played our best game of the year this past friday. Both offensively and defensively our guys came to play!! Proud of our guys and the season that we have had!!”
The Eagles finish the regular season as Region Champs. “Winning the Region Championship was one of our goals this season, and our guys did a great job staying focused and getting the job done,” Brigman said.
The Eagles have improved their efficiency throughout the season and look to carry that momentum into the playoffs. Brigman said his guys are ready. “We are looking forward to getting the playoffs started this week, and are ready for the challenges that come with it.”
Richard Winn will host Newberry Academy on Friday, November 8, in the first round of the SCISA 8-man football playoffs at Ruff Field in Winnsboro. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.