Sumter Academy runs past Russell Christian

By Larry Jowers

Special to The Watchman

Defensive Line Led by Senior Blaine Winsett Defends Against a 1st DownThe Sumter Academy offensive line of Ryan Moore, Clay Hanson, Blaine Winsett, Daniel Smith and Carson Newman opened big holes in the Russell Christian defense and Sumter runners ran through them for a 34-6 victory in high school football action Friday, Sept. 19.

Sumter Quarterback Clay Truelove scored on a 23-yard run on the game’s opening possession to give the home standing Eagles a early 7 – 0 advantage. Eagle Running Back Nathan Williamson increased the lead to 14-0 with a 24-yard run to end the first quarter.

Defense was the theme of the second quarter as neither team was able to put together much of a scoring threat until Nathan Williamson connected on a 42-yard field goal to make the halftime score 17-0.

Williamson would cap an Eagle drive in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run, Williamson’s third PAT kick of the game made the score 24-0 entering the final quarter.

Truelove would again find the end zone in the fourth, this time on a 17-yard rush. Williamson closed out the scoring for Sumter with his second field goal of the game, splitting the uprights from 33 yards away.

Williamson Prepares for 42-yard Field GoalRussell Christian got on the scoreboard on the game’s final play connecting on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Drew Taylor to Tyler Reeves.

Williamson rushed for 119 yards on 20 attempts. Truelove accounted for 152 yards of offense with 77 yards rushing and 75 passing yards.

Hayden Shaw led the Eagle defense with nine tackles while Blaine Winsett and Cole Hanson added eight tackles and seven tackles respectively.

Sumter Academy will travel to Camden on Friday, Sept. 26 to take on Wilcox Academy.

SA Offense Summary: Rushing – Williamson 20/119, Truelove 12/77, Jowers 1/21. Passing – Truelove 7/12 for 75yds, A. Newman 1/1 for 3yds. Receiving – Jowers 3/30, Shaw 2/45, Truelove 1/3, Maness 2/0.

SA Defense Summary: Tackles – Duke 1, Maness 5, Shaw 9, Cl. Hanson 3, Moore 1, Atcheson 6, Winsett 8, Truelove 4, Jowers 6, Wadell 1, Co. Hanson 7, McElroy 1, Williamson 2, A. Newman 4. Interceptions – Truelove 1. Fumble Recoveries – Winsett 1.