Bearcats' Tyler, Blue Eagles' Moore out this week

Running backs could miss rest of playoffs

By Barry Byers - bbyers@heraldonline.com

Two of the area's top running backs will be watching from the sidelines when their teams begin the Class AAAA Division I playoffs this week.

Rock Hill hosts Fort Dorchester on Thursday in the opening round and will be without tailback Jamal Tyler. Clover hosts Mauldin on Friday, and fullback Ricky Moore has been ruled out.

Tyler, a junior was injured early in the fourth quarter of the Bearcats' 31-10 loss to the South Pointe Stallions last Thursday while on his way to an outstanding game. When he was injured, Tyler had rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown, giving him 1,218 and 14 TDs for the season.

Rock Hill coach Joe Montgomery said it was a non-contact injury, that Tyler pulled his quad muscle away from the bone near the hip area.

"It's common injury that sprinters get,'' Montgomery said. "He was running down the sideline when it happened. We first thought he had pulled a hamstring.

"Jamal was is severe pain and was checked Friday night. The orthopedist said it takes four to eight weeks for it to heal, but I've seen players come back within two weeks. The quad is so strong that when it pulls away, it seldom tears. Jamal didn't have a tear .''

Moore, a senior, suffered a dislocated shoulder and separation late in the first half of a 28-0 win over rival York last Friday.

"I'd be shocked if he'd be available,'' Clover coach Jet Turner said. "He's going to the doctor this afternoon (Monday). I'll know a lot more about the rest of the season when he gets back from the doctor.''

Moore has run for 900 yards and 10 TDs. Turner said Moore will be replaced by several reserve back and halfback Tyron Douglas.''

Jerante Hood, Tyler's backup, will move into the starting role this week. Hood was suspended for disciplinary reasons and sat out the South Pointe game.