South Point Offense Breaks Out; Raiders Still Fall in OT - Lincolnton Wins 43-42
August 29, 2010
South Point came home Friday night looking to even their record on the young season as they hosted the Lincolnton Wolves at Lineberger Stadium. Support for both squads was remarkable as fans settled in for a matchup expected to be closely contested. The situation for the Red Raiders mirrored last year's game as South Point was searching for their first victory after a loss in the opener. The Wolves came in boasting a high-powered, speedy offense after scoring 52 points in their first game. Any doubts about the expectations surrounding this contest were quickly eliminated. Inside two minutes of the opening kickoff, both teams had scored touchdowns. The stage had been set. Apparently the team with the final possession and the fewest mistakes would have the best chance to claim victory.
Lincolnton took the opening kickoff and wasted little time hitting paydirt. The game's opening possession consisted of two penalties, one on each squad, and a touchdown pass. One minute, eleven seconds into the game and the Wolves took a 6-0 lead. Not to be outdone, Quarterback Patrick Horne guided the South Point offense to a quick strike. Horne reeled off 73 yards on a keeper to knot the score. The PAT was good and with 10:01 showing on the first quarter clock the Red Raiders had the one point lead, 7 to six.
After South Point forced a Lincolnton punt, Horne got Fullback Troy Leeper involved in the offense. Leeper was seeing his first action after having sat out the Clover game with an injury. The bruising back would ultimately have a breakout game as the varsity starter. Leeper was a workhorse, bursting through the line and carrying tacklers all night long for a game high 253 yards on 32 carries. He would add three touchdowns to his stats but perhaps his most important contribution would be the confidence of the offense when he is on the field. On this, the Red Raiders' second possession, Leeper picked up a first down on first down and the South Point offense looked to run "downhill" for the entire game. Horne once again kept the ball on the next play, cut through the line and raced to the endzone. Not yet four minutes into the contest (8:19) and the Red Raiders had a 14-6 lead. Surely the defenses would step up and in fact both teams had impressive stops. South Point recorded many tackles behind the line of scrimmage including a few quarterback sacks. Unfortunately for the Red Raiders, the athleticism of the Lincolnton ball handlers kept the Wolves from being blown out.
Chase Hannifan had a big night on offense and a decisive defensive play to key the Red Raider victory 34-20.
Hannifan finished the night with over 150 yards on a few carries including a 74 yard run to setup an Aaron Biggerstaff 1 yard run to open the night's scoring 6-0.
East Gaston scored on their very first play of their next possession with an Elijah Gore 70 yard touchdown run to even the game 6-6.
The Red Raiders and Warriors traded blows throughout the night until Hannifan's 47 yard touchdown run with just over three minutes of play left in the game. Hannifan then stopped the ensuing East Gaston drive with an interception.
South Point quarterback Dereck Perry had a big night with 2 rushing touchdowns and a 62 yard passing touchdown to Deonte Gaston. Perry also had a big completion in the 3rd quarter to receiver Alex Patton for 41 yards which was capped with a Perry touchdown run.
The entire team, both offense and defense, weathered an energized East Gaston team.
The JV's will have next Thursday off and will return to Lineberger Stadium Thursday, September 17 against the Burns Bulldogs.
