Published: Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009 / Updated: Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009 04:49 PM

Trojans, Cyclones to face off on ‘Big Thursday'

Big Thursday was what folks called the annual South Carolina-Clemson football game when it was played on that day, the last time on Oct. 22, 1959.

It's not the Gamecocks and Tigers, but there is a big game this Thursday at District Three Stadium when the Chester Cyclones visit the Northwestern Trojans.

Both teams played for state championships last season, Chester losing for the second straight year in Class AAA and Northwestern dropping the Class AAAA Division II final to South Pointe.

The relevance this year? Chester (4-0) is ranked No. 1 in Class AAA. Northwestern is 0-3 and hasn't been 0-4 since the 1984 season.

Let's not forget about the quarterbacks. Northwestern's Justin Worley and Chester's Tony McNeal are among the top juniors at their position this season. Last season, Worley passed for 3,641 yards and 50 touchdowns, McNeal for 3,544 yards, and 37 TDs.

Northwestern won at Chester last year, 45-22.

Going into last year's game, Chester coach Maurice Flowers said his team would throw at least 50 passes. McNeal threw “only” 47. Between them, the two rocket launchers completed 55 of 97 passes for 710 yards and eight touchdowns, six by Worley. Big Thursday could be more of the same.

TICKETS — Rock Hill and Clover will sell advance tickets today through Friday in the main office at each school for their 7:30 p.m. showdown on Friday at District Three Stadium.

Tickets, at $6 each, will be sold from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

HISTORY MADE — Another day for the history book happened at the Founders Federal Tri-County Football Coaches Association weekly meeting on Tuesday in Richburg.

For the first time since the association was born in 2003, Westminster Catawba players received awards.

Peyton Hinson was named defensive lineman of the week after his 15-tackle night in a 34-33 four-overtime win over Asheville's Christ School last Friday.

Will Pickel was named special teams player of the week. He made 2 of 2 extra points, kicked field goals of 35 and 48 yards and punted five times for a 38-yard average.

This is the first year for Westminster Catawba in the association.

Westminster coach Ben McGarity worked for Chester coach Flowers at Charlotte's Olympic High School and coached against Nation Ford's Rusty Jester in North Carolina.

The Indians are 3-1 and host Carolina Pride at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Award winners

Class AAAA

Offensive player: Jamal Tyler (Rock Hill) carried 25 times for 203 yards, three TDs. Honorable mentions: Max Elliott (Clover), Zed Truesdale (Lancaster), Garett Smith (York)

Offensive lineman: (tie) John Moss (CL) graded 88 percent, Seth Cobb (LN) graded 88 percent, knockdown, Ruben Velazquez (RH) graded 86 percent. Honorable mention: Jensen Fisk (Y)

Defensive player: Max Simons (Fort Mill) 15 tackles, tackle for loss. Honorable mentions: Malcolm Grant (CL), Daniel Foster (LN), Brandon Williams (N), Tyrell curry (RH), Lee Yard (South Pointe), Corey Dover (Y)

Defensive lineman: Deleon Boulware (RH) 12 tackles, two sacks. Honorable mentions: Brad Moffitt (FM), Aukeem Ruff (CL), Que Roberts (LN), Keon Stowers (N), Chris Suggs (Y)

Special teams: Alex Roach (LN) 5-for-5 PATs, 38-yard field goal, three kickoffs into the end zone, two inside the 10. Honorable mentions: Ryan Foster (N), Kent Thompson (Y)

Class AAA/A/Private

Offensive player: Julius Pendergrass (Chester) nine carries, 121 yards, three TDs. Honorable mentions: Rondreas Truesdale (Indian Land), Will Ford (Nation Ford), Brodrique Moore (Westminster Catawba)

Offensive lineman: J.T. Boyd (NF). Honorable mention: Josh Gray (IL)

Defensive player: Airean McRee (CH) 14 tackles, interception. Honorable mentions: Trevor Jones (IL), Rob Munday (NF), Dan Casey (WC)

Defensive lineman: Peyton Hinson (WC) 15 tackles, tackle for loss. Honorable mentions: Jeremy Green (Lewisville), Tirique Dixon (CH), Jonathan Sturgill (IL), Mark Barber (NF)

Special teams: Will Pickel (WC) 2-for-2 PATs, field goals of 35 and 48 yards, five punts for a 38-yard average. Honorable mentions: Trevor Witcher (NF), Marshall Whitesides (CH), Jarrell Robinson (IL)

WRECKING BALL — Westminster Catawba senior Dan Casey had a heck of a game Friday.

In the third overtime, he rushed in from the corner and blocked what would have been the game-winning field goal.

The Indians got the ball first in the fourth overtime and Casey threw a touchdown pass. Westminster Catawba converted the PAT and went up 34-27. Christ School scored and went for the win with a 2-point conversion pass. Casey went high into the air and knocked it away to preserve the win.

Casey starts at quarterback and safety. He is being heavily recruited by Davidson.

INJURY REPORT — Two weeks ago, Nation Ford's Jordan Callahan was knocked cold and suffered a concussion in a home loss to Rock Hill.

Callahan sat out last Friday's game and Jester said he will not play this week at Chesnee.

“The rule doctors use now is no contact until the headache has subsided for a week,” Jester said. “We will hold him out this week and not let him participate in contact drills next week.

“We have a bye week, and that's good for Jordan. We feel he'll be ready when we play Lancaster after our off week.”