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 Rebels Take 22nd Region Crown in 31-0 Shutout By Tim Crane web posted November 1, 2010 SPORTS – The Strom Thurmond Rebels are Region Champs for the 22nd time in school history, nearly averaging one title for every two years of football. Impressive? Yes. But even more impressive is the fashion in which they took this crown over a very good Batesburg-Leesville team. The Blue Steel defense held the Panthers to 64 total offensive yards, blocked a punt, forced two high snaps on punts, limited BL to six first downs and never let up with relentless pressure all night. They shutout a Panther team that was averaging 34 points per game during their 7 game win streak, coming into this game. The Rowdy Rebel offense was just as effective while pounding 187 ground yards on 36 carries with four touchdowns against a visibility larger defensive front of the Panthers. But inside of the heart of a Blue Steel Rebel, lies the will to win and that’s just what they did, in convincing fashion. They put up 31 points on a strong defense that had only allowed 12 points per game over the previous seven games. With 2:38 remaining in a scoreless first half, Strom took over at their 34 yard line after Devonte Farrow and Cullen Rhoden pressured Panther quarterback KJ Johnson and Rebel defensiveback Cody Johnson blanketed 6’6” standout Antonio Butler into an incompletion on 4th down. Raleigh Yeldell and the Rowdy Rebels would then bolt 66 yards in only 1:43 minutes and 6 plays. Yeldell connected a 24 yard pass over the middle to Marquez Mathis pushing Thurmond inside the redzone. Darrius Hammond electrified the crowd and lit the scoreboard on the ensuing play when he toted the mail across the goal line for a 15 yard touchdown. Trent Miller split the uprights and Strom led 7-0 with only 55 seconds to play in the 2nd quarter. Rebel linebacker Jeremy Johnson blocked a Panther punt after the Blue Steel defense forced a quick three and out with 2 seconds remaining in the first half. Johnson’s block and the relentless pressure of Thurmond’s defense contributed to an errant Batesburg snap on the opening 2nd half possession, after another forced three and out by the Blue Steel defense. Strom took over at the BL 16 yard line and would need 5 plays to get another score. The beef was called in as Nick Clark and Octavious Brown joined the offense to seal off the left side of Batesburg’s defensive pursuit allowing Chris Blocker to race 5 yards for a touchdown. Miller converted the point after attempt and Strom led 14-0 with 8:39 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Third straight three and out: Hykeem Brooks and Demetrius Leysath broke up a 3rd down pass forcing BL into another punt situation with 7:30 to play in the 3rd quarter. Disaster struck Batesburg with a second high snap sailing over the punters head, setting Thurmond in great field position at the Panther 14 yard line. Darrius Hammond would only need two direct snaps for his second touchdown of the night. Hammond flowed right with his blockers, cut back to the middle, bounced off a defender and rocketed thru the pylons from 12 yards out. The rout was on after Trent tidied up the extra point, pushing Thurmond out-front 21-0 with 6:45 to play in the 3rd. The Rebels reverted from squib kicking and tested standout returner Ricky Adams with a deep kick. Adams had a 35 yard return placing Batesburg at their 45 yardline. Thrumond’s strong Blue Steel defense would force their 4th consecutive three and out and alleviate any thoughts the Panthers had of making a comeback. Relentless defensive pressure and excellent downfield coverage was dialed up on all three plays. Strom Thurmond drove 55 yards to Batesburg’s 19 yard line before calling Trent Miller on for a 36 yard field goal attempt. Miller made it look easy with a beautiful end over end kick that split the uprights to extend the Rebels lead 24-0, with 1:27 to go in the 3rd. Octavious Brown sacked Panther quarterback KJ Johnson on 3rd down to stall another Batesburg Leesville drive with 11:00 minutes remaining in regulation. Thurmond’s ensuing drive would see an exceptional 34 yard touchdown throw, catch and run from Yeldell to Marquez Mathis negated because of an ineligible man down field penalty on the Rebels. Thurmond was forced to punt the ball away on this drive. Darrius Hammond ensured the Rebels Region title victory would close in style when he returned a Batesburg punt 54 yards for the final score of the night at the 1:52 mark of the 4th quarter. Miller remained perfect on the night and split the uprights, finalizing the score at 31-0. This was Thurmond’s second consecutive shutout and the third one of their season. The Rebels are guaranteed three home playoff games, considering they win the first two. Senior Night: Congratulations to all Seniors that made this Region Title such a memorable one on Senior Night; Chris Blocker, Antonio Hamilton, Emmanuel Brighthop, Kenneth Padgett, Devonte Farrow, Demetrius Stevens, Marcus Hartley, Cody Johnson, Marquise Lomax, Tony Stepney, Malcom Cook, Chris Griffen, Malcom Curry, Trey Caines, Octavious Brown, Frederick Alewine, and Deion Merriweather. What’s Next: (official brackets have not been posted at time of this writing) Round 1 AA Playoffs Projection Cheraw at Batesburg Lee Central at Thurmond Recap by quarter: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final penalty yards first downs total offensive yards BL 0 0 0 0 0 2-20 5 64 ST 0 7 17 7 31 3-15 14 284 Individuals for Strom Thurmond Passing: Raleigh Yeldell 10-16-97yards Rushing: Malcolm Watkins 4-22yards, Darrius Hammond 12-76yards, 2 touchdowns Chris Blocker 6-31yards, 1 touchdown Raleigh Yeldell 14-58yards Receiving: Antonio Hamilton 3-27yards Marquez Mathis 4-52yards Shaq Dobbs 1-(-4)yards Darrius Hammond 1-9yards Emmanuel Brighthop 1-13yards Returns: Darrius Hammond 1-56yards 1 touchdown Kicking: Trent Miller 4-4 PAT’s, 36 yard field goal Punts: Cullen Rhoden 2-67yards © Copyright 2010 EdgefieldDaily.com All original
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