Published: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 / Updated: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 12:08 AM

Chester 34, Chapin 14

CHAPIN -- Two weeks ago, the high-flying Chester Cyclones offense lost the golden arm of quarterback Tony McNeal with a knee injury.

However, the legs of Julius Pendergrass and Brent Minter, along with the power blocking of a massive offensive line, still has the Cyclones rolling in high gear.

Chester used a potent ground game to derail Chapin 34-14 in a key Region 4-AAA contest on Friday.

Pendergrass, who recorded an interception and broke up a pass on defense, carried 23 times for 142 yards and three touchdowns. When Pendergrass was not on offense, the running game still was potent, as Minter gained 119 yards on 31 carries and one score.

“They are the best 1-2 combination in the state,” Chester coach Maurice Flowers said. “They are best friends off the field, and they complement each other very well.”

Pendergrass said the ground game was crucial, particularly with the passing game still adjusting with backup Tevin Worthy in the lineup.

“Coach told us that the running backs have to take over,” he said. “We did what we had to do..... but we could not get it without the play of our offensive line.”

Minter agreed, saying the entire running game had to step up.

“Our passing game was not going like we wanted, so we had to put it on our shoulders.”

In addition to the explosive ground game, the Cyclones' defense came up huge, limiting the Eagles to only 7 rushing yards and no second-half points.

“Our defense did a great job..... we played well last week against Lugoff-Elgin, and they did another outstanding job tonight.”

The victory gives Chester a 7-1 record and 2-1 league mark, while Chapin suffered its first loss.

The win also gives the Cyclones a bit of revenge against Chapin coach Scott Earley, who coached Myrtle Beach to the state championship win over Chester last season.

CHESTER 34, CHAPIN 14

Chester.....7.....7.....7.....13.....--.....34

Chapin.....14.....0.....0.....0.....--.....14

SCORING SUMMARY

CHE -- Julius Pendergrass 6 run (Marshall Whitesides kick)

CHA -- Michael Weimer 34 pass to Joe Rister (Colden King kick)

CHA -- Robbie Lopez 37 interception return (King kick)

CHE -- Pendergrass 8 run (Whitesides kick)

CHE -- Pendergrass 10 run (Whitesides kick)

CHE -- Pendergrass 8 run (kick failed)

CHE -- Brent Minter 1 run (Whitesides kick)

TEAM STATISTICS

.....CHE.....CHA

First downs.....24.....9

Rushes-yards.....62-262.....8-7

Passing.....83.....174

Comp-Att-Int.....8-22-1.....13-33-2

Fumbles-Lost.....3-1.....3-1

Penalties-Yards.....7-67.....4-35

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Chester: Julius Pendergrass 23-142, Brent Minter 31-119, Tevin Worthy 7-(-3), Bobby Kelly 1-4. Chapin: Josh Sanga 4-18, Michael Weimer 2-(-1), Joe Rister 1-2, Victor Frick 1-(-12).

PASSING -- Chester: Worthy 8-22-1-83. Chapin: Weimer 12-33-2-174.

RECEIVING -- Chester: Minter 1-5, Bobby Kelly 2-12, Deon Strong 3-40, Pendergrass 1-8, Deterrion Hardin 1-18. Chapin: Conner Lowder 1-11, Rister 4-81, Frick 3-61, Collision Dewalt 1-5, Conner Lowder 2-10, Matt Pittender 1-6.

RECORDS: Chapin 7-1, 2-1 Region 4-AAA..... Chester 7-1, 2-1.