Myrtle Beach football team makes one last statement with playoffs looming

The playoffs may start next week, but Myrtle Beach put Class 4A on notice Thursday night that it will be a tough out.

Playing for second place in Region 7-4A, the Seahawks dominated play in the second half en route to a 54-26 thumping of Wilson.

“We knew Wilson was going to be a tough opponent, we talked about it for the past two weeks. They’re a much improved football team,” Myrtle Beach football coach Mickey Wilson said. “Hats off to them. But this is a great win for our football team, ending up region play and finishing second.

“We’re excited about the playoffs, everybody is 0-0. But this is a huge win for us.”

Jermani Green did a little of everything for Myrtle Beach, rushing for 92 yards and three touchdowns. He also had five catches for 106 yards and another touchdown.

The Seahawks’ junior standout also caused a fumble, recovering it and taking it deep into Wilson territory.

“This is the best game I’ve ever had,” he said. “We practiced hard all week, and we just came out to play.”

Quarterback Lawson Cribb also had a solid game, completing 20 of 29 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Aside from Green, his favorite target was Daron Finkley, who caught eight passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Turning point

Though the ejection of Wilson standout Zion Keith could qualify, Green’s strip of a Wilson ball carrier in the third quarter would loom larger as it halted a promising drive for the Tigers, who were poised to pull within a score. Though Myrtle Beach only got a field goal out of the exchange, it would be the final threat by Wilson during the game’s competitive phase.

Key performers

Jermani Green, Myrtle Beach: Had 198 yards of total offense and four touchdowns, in addition to a forced fumble and a recovery.

Lawson Cribb, Myrtle Beach: Completed 20 of 29 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns.

Luke Doty, Myrtle Beach: The birthday boy caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown.

Jacob Quillen, Wilson: Completed 19 of 32 passes for 211 yards and three scores. He also had 46 rushing yards and another touchdown.

By the numbers

1

Myrtle Beach earned at least one home playoff game by virtue of finishing second in Region 7-4A.

2

Takeaways by the Myrtle Beach defense in the game.

37

Consecutive points scored by the Seahawks prior to Wilson’s touchdown on the final play of the game.

189

Points scored by Myrtle Beach in the past three games.

They said it

“(Green) was Superman tonight. He really put the team on his shoulders. Offensively, defensively he is a great football player.” — Myrtle Beach football coach Mickey Wilson

“We just had to weather the storm. … Wilson really wanted it tonight, and they played pretty well for a half. But we had to weather the storm and get the ‘W.’ ” — Myrtle Beach senior defensive lineman Daniel Mitchell

“This is the best game I’ve ever played.” — Myrtle Beach dual threat Jermani Green

This story was originally published October 26, 2017 at 11:29 PM with the headline "Myrtle Beach football team makes one last statement with playoffs looming."