WINNSBORO – The Richard Winn Eagles remain undefeated after opening the SCISA 8-man football playoffs with a dominant victory over the Newberry Academy Eagles on Friday, November 8. Richard Winn accumulated 368 yards on offense in the 51-16 win.
The Eagles from Newberry kept the game interesting early, answering an eight yard touchdown run by Eli Smith with an 86-yard touchdown run of their own. Both teams converted for two points and the score was tied 8-8 at the end of the first quarter.
Richard Winn responded first in the second quarter as Smith carried the ball across the goal line. Richard Winn scored four more touchdowns to go up 45-8 headed into halftime. Quarterback Charlie Bonds scored two rushing touchdowns and connected with Josh Tyndall for a receiving touchdown. Bennett Smith also returned an interception 40 yards for a score.
Smith opened the third quarter with a 40 yard run for a score to put Richard Winn ahead 51-8. Newberry’s second score came early in the fourth quarter as quarterback Quinn Waites found an open Javon Conway for a 43 yard touchdown. Newberry converted for two points but good clock management by Richard Winn gave the Newberry Eagles the ball back with time for just one play before time expired.
Quarterback Charlie Bonds was five for nine passing, throwing for 73 yards and a touchdown. Bonds rushed for 155 yards on eight carries and three more scores. Smith ran for 113 yards on ten tries and scored a touchdown. Nicholson caught two passes for 49 yards. Tyndall caught one ball for 12 yards and a score.
Bonds also led the defense with eight tackles. Jake Gaillard had seven tackles with one sack and a fumble recovery. Aaron Geddings also recorded seven tackles. JT Wilkes also had five tackles and a sack.
Eagles Head Coach Paul Brigman was happy with the win. “It was a good win for the team, and it gave us an opportunity to play some of our younger guys and get them some experience in an important game.”
The Eagles remain undefeated this season, which gives Richard Winn home field advantage in the semifinals. Brigman said, “We worked hard during the year to put ourselves in a position to have home field throughout the playoffs. Hopefully that will play in our favor as we work toward the goal of making it to state.”
Richard Winn hosts Wardlaw Academy in their third matchup this season. Two weeks ago, Richard Winn held the Patriots to just 14 points. “We look forward to the challenge that Wardlaw presents this week. Our boys have worked hard and we believe they are ready for the challenge,” stated Brigman. The semifinal game against Wardlaw will be hosted at Ruff Field in Winnsboro. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.