South Pointe football coach: ‘Best defense’ in SC ready for Northwestern matchup
South Pointe’s defense stifled the No. 5 team in The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 high school football rankings, the West Charlotte Lions in a 10-7 old school barn burner over the weekend.
In a game that had no offensive touchdowns, South Pointe coach Bobby Collins said that his team had the best defense in the state of South Carolina and it showed against a strong West Charlotte team.
“On defense they didn’t score on us,” Collins said. “Their score was a kickoff return. So, in the last three games, our defense has given up two touchdowns. So, hats off to the defense. They have been playing really well. We’ve got to make some adjustments on offense. It may have been the first time in a long time that South Pointe was shut out on offense too, but at the end of the day it is a win and defense wins championships.”
South Pointe athlete J’Zavien Currence was once again the jack of all trades for the Stallions, making an impact while playing on both sides of the ball. Currence was responsible for the game’s only touchdown, an 87-yard interception returned for a score. On offense, he has taken over the quarterback position permanently after Cam McMillon decided to transfer. Currence made a handful of good throws but even better runs, extending a lot of Stallion drives with his legs.
“He’s a Sunday player,” Collins said of Currence. “When it is time to make a play, he makes a play and gives us a chance. I love him, I think he does a great job, but most importantly, he is selfless and very humble. He comes to work every day at practice and goes above and beyond to help this team be successful.”
Currence added three pass breakups on defense as well as four tackles. Playing both sides of the ball can take a toll on a lot of players, but for Currence, he will do what is needed to win.
“You can’t say no when your team needs you,” Currence said. “Sometimes there are a lot of players that don’t always respond the best to adversity. So, it was my job to answer the call when my number was called.”
The Stallions next face Northwestern on Friday night. Collins and Currence both are ready for the challenge.
“They have to deal with the best defense in the state,” Collins said. “I feel good about it. It is a 10-minute ride up the road so we consider it a home game. We will be ready to go and we will just go out there and play South Pointe football.”
When asked how to stop a high-powered offense like Northwestern, Currence was brief in his answer.
“We are the best defense in the state.”
More top Rock Hill performers
Xavier Means, Northwestern, junior quarterback: Means put up Madden numbers in a dominant 55-35 win against South Florence. Means was 24-for-30 for 250 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He rushed 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He looked like Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens out there ripping his opponents’ hearts on the ground and the air.
Rock Hill defense: Rock Hill improved to 2-1 on the season with a win against Lancaster. The Bearcats held the Panthers to just 11 points and held them scoreless in three quarters. Rock Hill forced six punts and two turnovers on downs. This performance helped extend the Bearcats’ win streak against Lancaster to three games.
C.J. Wherry, South Pointe, senior defensive back: Cherry had five total tackles in the 10-7 win against West Charlotte. He blocked the 20-yard Angel Ruiz field-goal attempt that ended West Charlotte’s overtime possession.
This week’s games to watch
Catawba Ridge (2-1) at Spring Valley (2-1), 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Catawba Ridge picked up a close 27-24 win over Chester last week. The Copperheads will travel to Columbia to take on the Vikings of Spring Valley, 7-6 winners against Chapin last week. Catawba Ridge is looking to improve to 3-1 for the second straight season after going 1-9 in 2023.
South Pointe (2-1) at Northwestern (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday: The premier rivalry in not just the upper state, but arguably all of South Carolina will renew when the high flying offense of Northwestern welcomes neighbor South Pointe for what could be the best game across the Carolinas in Week 4. Northwestern is averaging 43 points per game through three weeks while South Pointe is allowing just nine points per game. Contrasting styles will clash for the title of best team in Football City USA.
Lancaster (0-3) at Fort Mill (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday: The Fort Mill Yellow Jackets keep on winning. After their first 2-0 start in 10 years, they figured why not keep it going with a dominant win against Blythewood. Lancaster is hungry for its first win of the season having lost a close game to Chester in Week 1 followed by lopsided losses to Indian Land and Rock Hill.