How Conway narrowly defeated Sumter to claim the Region VI-5A title
Guess it’s the only way a heated rivalry between region foes should end.
Despite dominating in both yardage and time of possession, a blocked extra point proved to be Conway’s saving grace Friday night in a 14-13 win over Sumter.
Shortly after the Tigers’ great escape, Conway learned it had claimed the Region 6-5A championship following West Florence’s 41-24 win over Carolina Forest.
None of that was on the mind of Conway players and coaches immediately after the game, however, the team savoring a rare win at Sumter Memorial Stadium.
“We’ve come here many years and left sad,” said Conway interim football coach Carlton Terry. “I’m excited for our team, our guys worked hard to secure this win.”
In the opening minutes, it looked as if Conway was going to win this one in a rout, scoring on each of its first two possessions. But that would be all the Tigers earned on this night, as a proud Sumter defense showed its worth.
“(Conway) was the better team (Friday night), and they were the better team on film,” said Sumter football coach Mark Barnes. “But I am mighty proud of our effort, especially on defense. Our defense would not let them score after those first two possessions and that’s a credit to them.”
Turning point
After a Will Smith 23-yard field goal was blocked and returned for a touchdown by Sumter, Conway returned the favor by blocking the extra point, preserving a one-point lead for the Tigers.
Key performers
Conway defense: After giving up a first-quarter touchdown, the Tigers shut down a vaunted Sumter rushing attack. The unit held the Gamecocks to one first down in the second half.
D’Wuan Grainger, Conway: Though rough in some spots, the Tiger quarterback completed 11 of 21 passes for 164 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also had 33 yards rushing.
Keimone Graham, Conway: The Tiger receiver had three catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.
By the numbers
1
Conway heads into its season finale assured of its place atop Region VI-5A after its win and Carolina Forest’s loss to West Florence. It is also the margin of victory for the Tigers in Friday night’s win.
4
Jersey number for Sumter’s Zykeim Jackson, the Gamecocks’ quarterback unable to finish the game after being injured in the first half.
14
Number of plays run by Sumter in the second half.
They said it
“This game was a battle from beginning to the end, and our guys played four quarters tonight.” — Conway interim football coach Carlton Terry
“(Coaches) told us to stay focused … and get the job done.” — Conway linebacker Noah Freshley after Sumter pulled to within a point after a blocked field goal was returned for a touchdown.
“It means a lot, especially for the seniors (because) it is their last ride. … It was physical. We had to attack.” — Conway sophomore defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway
Up next
Conway: vs. Carolina Forest
Sumter: at Socastee
Conway | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 14 |
Sumter | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — | 13 |
First quarter
CON — Daiquawn Clark 1 run (Will Smith kick)
CON — D’Wuan Grainger 69 pass to Keimone Graham (Smith kick)
SUM — Da’Jon Butts 1 run (Dyson Roberts kick)
Third quarter
SUM — Tyrese Witherspoon 90 return (kick blocked)
Individual leaders
Rushing: CON — Rakim Bellamy 12-79, Daiquawn Clark 12-55. SUM — Da’Jon Butts 8-59, Zykeim Jackson 5-38.
Passing: D’Wuan Grainger 11-21-1, 164 yards. SUM — Ontra’ Harvin 3-7-0, 21 yards.
Receiving: Keimone Graham 3-81, Juwan Moody 6-82. SUM — Keshawn Croskey 1-15.
Joe L. Hughes II: 843-444-1702, @thejournalist44
This story was originally published October 20, 2017 at 11:15 PM with the headline "How Conway narrowly defeated Sumter to claim the Region VI-5A title."