Photography and news from around the Nation Ford, Catawba Ridge and Fort Mill HS athletic scenes as seen through the lens of photographer Rob Upton.
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Getting In The Way-Back Machine (Part Two)
Ok, here we go again...
When last we met, Wayne and Garth had taken us back to mid-October to find out how the Banks Trail MS football and volleyball teams were faring as they came to the close of their seasons. We saw the volleyball teams wrap up their seasons in post season play at Rawlinson Rd MS, while the football teams had the first of two doubleheaders to wrap up the regular season. Fresh off a sweep of Springfield MS's teams, the Banks Trail MS 7th and 8th grade football teams set their sights on the season finale with Gold Hill on the turf of Bob Jones Stadium. Hang on tight as we set a course for Wednesday, October 22. Take it away, Wayne and Garth....
Welcome to a perfect Fall day for football; bright and sunny with just bit of a chill in the evening air to remind us its late October. The 7th grade Timberwolves football team took the field first in this regular season finale against Gold Hill. The Timberwolves lost the ball on a fumble in their opening possession, but Gold Hill was unable to to do anything with it and gave it back to Banks Trail. So the first quarter ended with not much going either way, but things changed quickly in the second half as the Timberwolves offense began to take control of the game.
Lynn Swann, Super Bowl X, 1976
Dee Qwiy leaps above GHMS defender for the catch.
RB Sam Davis fights through Bulldog defenders for yards.
Quarterback Dustin Noller and receiver Dee Qwiy connected on the first of the their three touchdown hookups early in the second quarter. Qwiy made a leaping, over-the-defenders-back, juggling catch, and then fought off the two Gold Hill defenders to the race to end zone. The catch was reminiscent of Steeler great Lynn Swann's career-defining circus catch in Super Bowl X against the Dallas Cowboys that helped him win MVP honors for that game (no, I didn't take that Super Bowl photo--I was at my friend's 11th birthday party that day). Noller and Qwiy connected again just before half-time and then again on their first possession of the second half to help build a 30-0 lead over the Bulldogs. Gold Hill was able to get two scores in the second half, but strong running by backs Chris Singleton and Sam Davis helped Banks Trail keep the ball in crucial situations and ultimately win the game, 30-16. The win secured the York Co. Middle School Athletic Conference East Division championship for the Timberwolves, setting up a conference championship showdown with Castle Heights on Oct. 29.
Lawrence Adams scores BTMS's first TD vs Gold Hill
T'Wolves Nathan Lovette stops Gold Hill ball carrier.
As darkness settled in over Fort Mill High's Bob Jones Stadium, the 8th grade Timberwolves took the field against Gold Hill with an undefeated season and division championship on the line. Banks Trail wasted no time, getting on the board with a touchdown pass from JT Marr to Lawrence Adams in their first possession of the game. JT hit Lawrence streaking on a post route that he caught in stride at about the five-yard line and stepped untouched into the end zone for the score. From there the T'Wolves never looked back. The defense locked down on the Bulldogs' offense, never allowing it to get anything going. The boys put in a great effort on both sides of the ball and came away with a 27-0 shutout victory. That completed their perfect regular season and secured the YCMSAC East Division championship.
BTMS principal Jason Johns and son
So next up for the both teams were conference championship games with the West Division winners. On Oct. 29, the 7th graders travelled to Rock Hill to take on Castle Heights, while the 8th graders stayed home to host Dutchman Creek. I can't say too much about the 7th grade game, except to report that Banks Trail lost to the Knights, 30-6. I did hear the half-time score was 7-6, so the Timberwolves seemed to be holding their own in the first half. But apparently it got away from the in the second half, resulting in the disappointing loss to end the season. But the boys should be proud, as they bounced back from a 0-2 start to finish strong with the division crown. Coach Herb Whitley will have another chance with this group as he leads them into their 8th grade season in 2015.
A possible TD pass slips past the finger tips of BTMS receiver Josh Cloud.
Speaking of 8th graders, the senior Timberwolves had revenge on their minds as they faced a tough Dutchman Creek squad at home in their conference championship game. These two teams met in 2013 for the 7th grade championship and Dutchman Creek handed them a pretty sound beating, 48-6. This year's team had much more confidence going into this game. In the pre-game pep talks Coach Edwards and his staff stressed the importance of coming out and hitting them early to get off to a good start. And things seemed to be working out that way as Dutchman Creek took the opening kickoff, but fumbled the ball away on only it's second or third play. But the T'Wolves were unable to make anything of it and gave the ball back to DC. But once again the Gators lost a fumble, giving Banks Trail a chance to grab the early lead. A few plays later, the Timberwolves were in the red zone (within 20 yards of the goal line) and seemed ready to strike first. JT Marr lifted a pass toward Zeb Graham who was open at the goal line. But a Gator defender just managed to tip it at the last second, knocking it away from Zeb's grasp. Dutchman Creek ended up getting the ball back on that drive too, escaping two early turnovers without giving up any points.
(Above left) T'Wolves defense force a second 1st quarter fumble.
(Above) Zeb Graham loses the handle on a would-be TD catch.
From there the floodgates were opened and Dutchman Creek's Jamario Holley ran for two scores and threw for another to lead the Gators to a 28-0 lead at the half, and a final score of 41-15. It was certainly a bitter pill to swallow, but these boys have much to be proud of for this season. They finished the regular season a perfect 7-0. They were the first Banks Trail football team to beat teams from West Division/Rock Hill schools in consecutive weeks when they opened the season with wins over Castle Heights and Rawlinson Road.
Dutchman Creek's Jamario Holley runs away from
the Banks Trail defense enroute to another big gain.
And they showed toughness and determination in come-from-behind wins against Rawlinson Rd and Clover. So, chin up, Buttercup! You had a great season and we're looking forward to seeing you move on into the high schools next year.
That wraps up the Fall sports report for this season. All four Banks Trail teams accomplished a lot on the field and on the court, had winning records and competed at a very high level. Also, many BTMS student-athletes made their mark on various high school varsity teams, like tennis, cross country and swimming. We head into the Thanksgiving holiday looking forward to the start of basketball season, winter cheerleading and those who will be a part of the high school wrestling teams. Enjoy your families this Thanksgiving and as always, I'll see you next time...from the sidelines.
The sun sets over Banks Trail MS and the 8th grade football season in the waning moments against Dutchman Creek.
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