Nation Ford lands spot in state playoffs; next comes crosstown rivalry game
Nation Ford head coach Michael Allen wanted to see his team start fast. He knew that’s what the Falcons needed after a tough loss to Rock Hill last week.
“That’s why we took the ball at the beginning of the game,” Allen said. “We just wanted to come out on the field with a lot of energy.”
The move worked.
Less than 70 seconds into the game, Falcons running back Kaleb White made a cut, broke a tackle and ran into the end zone for a touchdown.
Fast-pace scoring would be a common theme for Nation Ford’s offense throughout the night as it beat Spring Valley 49-0 Friday night.
With the win, the Falcons (4-5, 2-2 Region 3-5A) will return for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Spring Valley’s loss puts Fort Mill in the postseason for the first time since 2017.
Throughout the first eight games, Nation Ford’s ground game had been consistent. But the passing attack was hit or miss.
It all came together on Friday night.
The run game set the tone early and the playbook started to open up. After the opening drive touchdown, Falcons quarterback Kaden Barnette unloaded a 54-yard touchdown pass to Josh Ameo.
“It was just a lot of cover two, and I don’t think the safeties were getting their eyes to the outside guy and we were able to get over top of them without them being able to see that happen,” Barnette said.
Barnette finished 8-for-10 with five touchdown passes in the first half. He didn’t play another snap after halftime.
Barnette connected with four receivers for touchdowns. Jayden Scott was the only receiver to have more than one as he finished with two scores on three catches.
“That’s what makes this night so exciting for me, because I’m very happy that I was able to spread the ball around to everybody and get them a touchdown,” Barnette said.
A lot of Friday’s success came from the mind of offensive coordinator David Johnson.
“He does a really good job of keeping it mixed up. I’m really pleased with it,” Allen said. “We try to practice with a lot of energy offensively during the week. So coach Johnson is doing a good job.”
A team victory
While the offense stole the show, the defense and special teams for Nation Ford also played well.
After being called for roughing the kicker inside their own territory, the Falcons were in a tough spot in the first quarter. Spring Valley had a shot to tie the game.
But the defense made a stop. On fourth down, the Vikings threw a short pass to the outside that was blown up for a turnover on downs.
Spring Valley had to fight tooth and nail to get in the end zone.
“Coach Mitchell does a good job and the rest of the defensive staff with our defense,” Allen said. “I thought we did a nice job of making a couple adjustments here and there. Our goal is to make them snap it again. So it’s not a bend but don’t break attitude.”
At the start of the second quarter, after picking off Vikings quarterback Antavion Peters, the Falcons forced a three-and-out. They proceeded to block the ensuing punt and scored one play later.
That wouldn’t be all from special teams. Nation Ford pooched the opening kickoff of the second half and recovered it. And a few minutes later, the offense found its way into the end zone.
“I was just really pleased with our energy and our execution, and that word was really up front of everything we did today was executing. So I thought we executed more than we have all year,” Allen said.
Next up
Nation Ford will close out the regular season with a trip to Fort Mill in the Milltown Showdown next Friday, Oct. 27. If the Falcons win next week, they’ll have won nine years in a row over their crosstown rival.
“It’s a game that we need to win and to secure our spot in the playoffs,” Allen said. “No matter what, I’ll preach all week it’s just another football game. They’ll be excited, they’ll be fired up ready to play. So will Fort Mill.”
This story was originally published October 20, 2023 at 10:57 PM.