Trojans combo keeps racking up big numbers

By Barry Byers - bbyers@heraldonline.com

The Justin Worley-to- Robert Joseph passing combination is starting to resemble a high school version of Joe Montana to Jerry Rice when they played in the NFL.

Joseph set two state receiving records in last week's win over Gaffney, most catches in game, 22, and most in a season, 108. He's adding to the second and could put the record out of reach before the Trojans are done.

Northwestern blasted South Florence 53-0 on Thursday, and the two talented juniors were at it again. Joseph pushed his season record to 115 catches. His seven receptions included 113 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 1,427 yards and 13 TDs for the year.

Worley passed for 376 yards and seven TDs, pushing his totals to 3,457 yards and 32 touchdown passes this season. Worley is on the verge of getting his name into Palmetto's Finest, the SCHSL's record book.

Palmetto's Finest is the only record book the state's schools accept. For a player to be listed, his stats have to be faxed by his high school to the League on a form.

Northwestern is planning to set the records straight after the Trojans finish their season and Worley should already be there and will be next season.

Worley is first and second with most passes completed in a season with 309 last season and 286 this year with at least one more game assured. His numbers will push former Byrnes quarterback Willy Korn to third.

Worley is already first and second in completions in a single game with 37 against Clover and 36 against Gaffney this season. Worley had 35 against Lancaster, which ties him for third with former Dutch Fork quarterback Erik Kimrey.

The book doesn't recognize most passing yards or touchdown passes in a career, but Worley has another season and could be near the top when he's finished. He's at 7,098 yards and 82 TDs in just two years.

SPECIAL — Getting only eight first downs, 63 yards rushing and 41 passing in a game normally equates to a loss in high school football.

But South Pointe is not your normal team. The Stallions are masters at scoring defensive and special teams touchdowns. They had three in their 39-0 in win over Richland Northeast on Friday in the first round of the Class AAAA Division II playoffs.

South Pointe touchdowns on Raphael Ratliff's 58-yard punt return, Quinten Darby's 96-yard kickoff return and Lee Yard's fumble recovery in the end zone.

Those 21 points were easily enough. The Stallions began establishing a tradition of white-knuckle defense three years ago and are stingy about allowing points. They have given up 155 in 12 games, and 104 came in their three losses to Charlotte's Independence, Clover and Rock Hill. The Stallions have five shutouts..

FINAL NUMBERS — Rock Hill, Clover and Chester were eliminated on Friday and ended the season with some impressive offensive numbers.

Rock Hill tailback Jamal Tyler ended up with 2,003 rushing yards and 20 TDs. Rock Hill's all-purpose offensive player Jatavius Stewart ran for 1,009 yards and 15 touchdowns. Quarterback Randall Dixon passed for 1,521 yards and 13 scores.

Clover running backs Tyron Douglas and Max Elliott put up some good numbers. Douglas ran for 1,510 yards and 12 touchdowns; Elliott ran for 1,140 and 17.

Despite missing four games, Chester junior quarterback Tony McNeal passed for 1,732 yards and 18 TDs. Tailback Julius Pendergrass rushed for 1,180 yards and 20 scores. Wide receiver Bobby Kelly had 816 receiving yards and nine TDs, while his teammate on the other side, Deon Strong, ended up with 728 yards and six touchdowns.

FRIDAY THE 13TH — It's a day for those who are superstitious and strange things are said to happen. Come on now, really?

Seven area football teams went into the playoffs, and only two remain. One of those two, Northwestern played on Thursday, so only South Pointe won on Friday. One out of six ain't too good.