How Clover football is thriving with a two-quarterback system
The Clover Blue Eagles (4-2) have been in their fair share of close games this season.
Blue Eagles coach Perry Woolbright believes there are lessons to be learned in close games that can help better a football team.
“With close losses, it is about finishing things off and not getting complacent,” Woolbright said. “You have to play your best for a full four quarters. Then, last week (against Fort Mill) it was kind of the opposite. We didn’t play well early, got down a score and our kids kept fighting. They never wavered and fought to give themselves a chance. I think you can use both as learning experiences so by the time the later parts of the season come around you know how to win the close games.”
Woolbright runs a two-quarterback system with Brody Woolbright — his son — and Aaron Shealey. And, despite having his son as an option, no favorites are picked, it is about who is the quarterback playing the best, the coach said.
“Whoever the hot hand is, that is who we are going to play,” Woolbright said. “Last Friday was a great example. Aaron was doing a good job and made some really good throws. The momentum was with him, so that is who played and we stuck with it.”
Woolbright applauded both of his quarterbacks for being different from most people of their generation.
“The biggest thing that I will say about Aaron and Brody is that even though they are in a selfish generation ... both are probably each other’s biggest encouragers,” Woolbright said. “Both of them were voted as captains of the football team. I think their leadership shows and I also believe that is why when we had a situation like we had Friday night where Aaron was ready to go, he took over the game for us in the second half.”
Clover has a big game Friday night against Northwestern. But, Woolbright is focused on getting better each week regardless of the opponent. The end goal is to make a deep playoff run, and he knows there are things to clean up if the Blue Eagles want to do that.
“We have to be more consistent on both sides of the ball,” Woolbright said. “There are times this season where I thought we played really well, and then others where we didn’t. Our effort, other than a little part of the game against Rock Hill, has been good. We just need to find that bit of consistency. … We want to continue to emphasize these things as a staff to the kids so that once we do get into the playoffs, if we get in, the kids understand that every play matters.”
More top performers
Nigel Smith, Northwestern, senior running back: In a dominant 56-20 win against Catawba Ridge, Smith carried the ball just 12 times for 153 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught a pass for 11 yards. This game brings Smith up to eight touchdowns on the year and his rushing average up to over 90 yards per game on the ground.
Aaron Shealey, Clover, junior quarterback: In a close win against Fort Mill, Shealy stayed composed under pressure, delivering three touchdown strikes on his way to throwing for 230 yards. He also rushed four times for 34 yards and a touchdown. Shealy and the Blue Eagles will face their biggest challenge yet Friday against Northwestern.
Jamol Horton, Indian Land, senior running back: Fresh off a bye week, Horton got to stretch his legs again, and he put them to good use for the Warriors, rushing 30 times for 128 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-9 victory against Rock Hill.
Games of the week
Nation Ford (3-2) at Indian Land (5-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday: First-year Falcons coach Jake Bentley will take his team up the road to Indian Land to try and end the Warriors’ unbeaten season. Indian Land has yet to score under 30 points in its five games. Points won’t be easy to come by for the Falcons. Indian Land linebacker Mikey Johnson had 10 tackles and an interception last week and coach Adam Hastings is hoping for another big performance.
Northwestern (5-1) at Clover (4-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday: Northwestern comes in on a two-game win streak after falling to rival South Pointe. It is clear that coach Page Wofford and his staff are on a mission to not lose another game. Clover, however, is accustomed to playing close games and won’t buckle if it is close late. This game could lend itself to being high scoring as both teams average more than 30 points a contest.
South Pointe (4-1) at Camden (5-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday: The South Point Stallions travel to Camden for a regional battle with the Bulldogs. Camden averages 35.5 points per game, but the Stallions and coach Bobby Collins live by the motto that they have the best defense in South Carolina. It has shown in their results against other top teams in the state, holding Northwestern to 23 points and A.C. Flora to 12..
