A Week of Firsts

This week was a week of firsts of sorts for BTMS sports and for me. But before I get into that, you've gotta see this high school football player's post-game interview on local television after his team came from behind to win the game. It's the kind of thing that can restore a little confidence in today's kids.

Whew! I don't know about you but I'm ready to get after it! That was awesome. That young man has the attitude I think we'd all like our kids to have, so hats off to Apollo!

Ok, back to our little corner of the world.

Hunter Dest and teammates welcome Coach Scott to mid-court celebration after beating Fort Mill on Tuesday

Outside hitter Courtney Smith sends a
hit over the net against Fort Mill.

Our first 'firsts' came on the BTMS volleyball court in Tuesday's home matches against Fort Mill MS. The 8th grade team earned its first match win of the season, 2-0 with set wins of 25-17, 25-18. It finally seemed to all come together for Coach Scott's team and they were able notch the victory. The team then hosted Gold Hill MS on Thursday and won again in a three-set nail biter to improve to 2-3 on the season. Way to go, ladies! It seems they got a little of that attitude we saw in the video clip above. This coming week brings opportunities to avenge earlier losses to Clover and Oakridge, with a home match on Tuesday (Clover) and on the road Thursday (Oakridge). Get out to the gym on Tuesday to show your support as the team attempts to even its record at 3-3.

Coach Scott got to watch her daughter, Grace, play in the
7th grade match for FMMS.

Julianna Crane tries to save
a shot at the net vs Fort Mill.

Cecelia Hilton goes up for the kill

On the flip side, the previously undefeated 7th grade suffered its first loss, a close three-set match, 2-1, against Fort Mill. Much like last week's match against Oakridge, the team got off to a slow start in the first set, quickly falling behind 5-0. They battled back and the set was back-and-forth before Fort Mill was able to take control and win it, 25-21. In the second set the Lady Wolves won behind a strong effort, both hitting and blocking, by Cecelia Hilton and Julianna Crane. So the match came down to the deciding third set, which Fort Mill eventually won, 16-14. Fort Mill moved to 4-0 with the win, while BTMS fell to 3-1. Both teams played hard and played well and it sets up the rematch in a couple of weeks at Fort Mill on Oct. 9.

Dee Qwiy heads for the end zone and the game-winning TD.

Reese Key catches a crucial 3rd down pass to keep the drive alive

Out on the gridiron, the 7th grade football team took it's 0-2 record into a rain-soaked game against Clover at home and came away with it's first win, 22-18. The outcome wasn't decided, though, until wide receiver Dee Qwiy got behind the defense and hauled in pass from quarterback Dustin Noller and waltzed into the end zone untouched with only 40 seconds left in the game. The score put the Timberwolves ahead 20-18 and Qwiy topped it off with a diving catch for the 2-point conversion.  The game featured six lead changes as both defenses had trouble stopping the opposing offenses. The Wolves struggled all day to stop the Blue Eagles' wing-T running game and had just surrendered the lead again with only 1:52 to play.  But the T-Wolves mounted their late drive that featured a critical 1st down conversion on a  3rd-a-long pass play to tight-end Reese Key.  The defense then hung on to secure the team's first win. It was good win for Coach Whitley's team an they look to continue improving this week as they travel to Oakridge.

Coach Whitley congratulates
Cabe Christopeher after his TD catch.

Meanwhile up in Clover the 8th graders struggled early but came on strong in the second half and came away with a 28-14 win. After taking the opening kick-off back for a touchdown, the Blues Eagles played a ball control game with it's wing-T offense, keeping the Timberwolves offense on the sidelines for most of the first half. They tacked on another score in the first half and took a 14-0 lead into the half. Some half-time defensive adjustments by Coach Edwards and his coaches helped the T-Wolves defense get off the field and their offense took over. The Timberwolves scored 28 unanswered points (not sure how or who--that's the last time I rely on my son, who's on the team, for any credible information. "I don't remember' he says, Geesh! It was only 4-days ago!) and came home with a 28-14 win. That gives them a 3-0 record, 1-0 in their division. Next week they'll be back home against Oakridge.

Fort Mill's Ryann Katz swims in the 200 Freestyle event. Her time earned her
consideration for the state meet.

FMHS 2014 Senior Swimmers 

My last 'first' of this past week was my first-ever attendance at a Fort Mill-NaFo swim meet. This year's meet was dubbed 'A Splash of Titans' by the headline writers at the Fort Mill Times, as both teams came into the meeting with undefeated records. Well, the boys teams were both undefeated, while NaFo's girls had suffered one loss to Clover. The titanic meeting had much the same result for NaFo's teams as the ill-fated ocean liner of the same name; they were sunk. Fort Mill's girls won easily, 145-25, while the boys were able to pull out a more competitive 98.5-71.5 win over the Falcons. The atmosphere at Anne Springs Close Greenway pool was terrific; lots of fan support, great enthusiasm and passion by the competitors and great action in the pool. It was Senior Night for Fort Mill and they recognized the teams 11 Seniors during the intermission. During the meet, Fort Mill swimmers had state qualifying or consideration times in four events: Ryann Katz, 200 freestyle; Brian Cavanaugh, 50 freestyle; Sara Greene, 100 butterfly; Megan Cessna, 100 breaststroke. So congratulations to these swimmers for their accomplishments in the pool this season and all the swimmers from both teams who have worked hard this season and will be moving on to the post-season events. The meet marked the end of the regular season and now the two teams prepare for the regional and state meets in October.

NaFo's James Martin swims the butterfly leg of the 200 Medlay Relay

This week of 'firsts' made for a fun and entertaining week around the FMSD sports scene. I was glad to be there to see them. Looking forward to heading out again this week to capture more of the great action of Fort Mill sports. Along with my usual visits to BTMS events, I think I'll be heading to FMHS on Thursday for a rematch of FM-NaFo volleyball. The Falcons won in straight sets on September 9 at NaFo, so the Lady Jackets will be looking  to avenge that loss. If you happen to see me out at an event, stop by and say hi and let me know if there's anything you'd like to see covered . Until then, have a great week.