Published: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 / Updated: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 12:56 AM

South Pointe 37, Ridge View 0

BLYTHEWOOD -- If the old saying is correct and defense wins championships, look out for South Pointe the remainder of the season as the Stallions completely shut down Ridge View's offense in a 37-0 win.

South Pointe's defense and special teams were outstanding. The defense held the Blazers to just three first downs and 56 total offensive yards, and the special teams came up with two blocked punts to put the game out of reach.

It was the same story offensively for Ridge View, which lost to Rock Hill 63-0 a week ago and struggled to get anything going against the Stallions.

Though their offense was not clicking on all cylinders, the Stallions used their stellar defense to grab the lead in the first quarter and never fell behind.

South Pointe struggled early on the offensive side of the ball, but finally lighted up the scoreboard when senior defensive back Jeremy Massey picked off a Blazers pass and scampered in for an easy touchdown.

The Stallions defense constantly put their offensive counterparts in good field position, but South Pointe struggled to move the football.

Trey Mackey came up with the Stallions' second interception just before the half. Already ahead by two touchdowns, South Pointe nearly put the game out of reach after Mackey's interception return put the Stallions in the red zone with the first-half clock waning.

Stallions quarterback Corey Rawls picked up one first down on a pass interference call, but his pass attempt to Montay Crockett was batted away just before the half.

South Pointe opened the second half on defense by forcing two quick three-and-outs by the Blazers. Ridge View punted twice, each resulting in points for the Stallions.

Manzy Miller played a big part in both of the blocks. Miller scooped up the first blocked punt and ran 18 yards for an easy score. On the Blazers' next possession, Miller blocked the kick through the back of the end zone for a safety, giving the Stallions a 23-point lead and putting the game out of reach.

“We did not get a lot of outside practice this week, due to the weather,” South Pointe coach Bobby Carroll said. “Strait Herron always does an incredible job of getting our kids ready, and tonight it really came across on the scoreboard.

“Landon Ard played great for us with his punting and field goals; he is a true weapon for us. Our kids played really well tonight. Even though our offense was not on top of their game, our defense played outstanding and we picked up a very nice win.”

Ridge View tries to right the ship next Friday as it will travel to fellow Richland County foe Spring Valley. South Pointe will continue its three-game road spree in Columbia with a trip to Blythewood.

SOUTH POINTE 37 RIDGE VIEW 0

SP — Jeremy Massey 21 interception return (Landon Ard kick)

SP — Ta Hicklin 22 pass from Corey Rawls (Ard kick)

SP — Manzy Miller 18 blocked punt return (Ard kick)

SP — Safety, Miller blocked punt through endzone

SP — Quinten Darby 19 run (Ard kick)

SP — Ce-Ce Jones 5 run (Ard kick)

RUSHING — South Pointe: Ce-Ce Jones 11-23, Quinten Darby 8-88, Rawls 17-71, Garrick Mackey 2-12, Jalen Massey 1-13 Patrick Seibles 1-2. Ridge View: Dedric Evans 8-13, Jalen Perry 8-(-3), Montay Morgan 3-7.

PASSING — South Pointe: Rawls 12-23-0-110. Ridge View: Perry 3-18-2-39.

RECEIVING — South Pointe: Montay Crockett 1-9, Desmond McCrory 5-41, Hicklin 3-29, Darby 1-12, Jones 1-11, Kendall Childers 1-14. ; Ridge View; Morgan 1-5, Damion Moore 2-35.

RECORDS: South Pointe 6-2. 2-0 Region 4-AAAA; Ridge View 2-6, 0-2.