Fort Mill overwhelms Orangeburg-Wilkinson

When it came to preparing his Yellow Jackets to face visiting Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Fort Mill coach Ed Susi had a simple message.

“I told these guys all week, we can’t beat anybody if we put the ball on the ground,” Susi said. “Our emphasis was doing the little things better.” He added: “I’ve got a feeling we can score some points if you can take care of the football.”

Consider that mission accomplished, as his Yellow Jackets came away with a convincing 41-7 win in their 2016 home opener at Bob Jones Stadium.

Fort Mill (2-2) totaled 458 yards of offense against the visiting Bruins, including a commanding 356 rushing yards on 50 carries. More importantly for Susi, though, his Yellow Jackets did not commit a turnover on offense. His defense helped win the turnover battle, recording two interceptions, including one that set up a score.

Turning point

Fort Mill had a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter, as Orangeburg-Wilkinson looked ready to cap off a 68-yard drive. The Bruins had a first-and-goal at the Fort Mill 8, but could get no closer, eventually turning the ball over on downs.

After gaining possession at their own 10, Fort Mill found itself backed up to its own 4, after multiple penalties. Star senior Ronnie Hughes turned in a sparkling, one-handed snag for 18 yards on a third-and-17, then capped the drive with a 68-yard touchdown run that brought the packed home side to its feet.

“That was a huge catch,” said Susi of Hughes’ grab. “After (we had) penalty after penalty, they sucked it up and made a great play.”

Critical

As outstanding as the Yellow Jacket offense was in scoring on all six first-half offensive possessions, the defense was also up to the task. All five first-half Orangeburg-Wilkinson possessions ended without scores, including interceptions on back-to-back drives.

The Bruins scored on their first possession of the second half, capping an 85-yard, four-plus minute drive with a 2-yard score by Ricky Grimes. The Fort Mill defense again stiffened, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs.

Star contributions

Hughes had what may be described as a career quarter, as he tallied 99 yards on three touchdown carries over an eight-minute span of the second quarter. Hughes finished with 13 carries for 148 yards and three scores, along with hauling in two passes for 26 yards. Fort Mill quarterback Ryan Deluca completed 10-of-16 passes for 102 yards, adding 11 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Orangeburg-Wilkinson (2-2) got a 15-for-22 passing performance from quarterback Jashaun Grainger, who threw for 191 yards, despite the two interceptions.

Overheard

“Well be working on that on Monday, said Susi of Orangeburg-Wilkinson’s lone second-half scoring drive. “You cant have a letdown. We had a great kickoff and everything, and they went and marched down the field. They’re athletic enough to do that to a lot of people.”

On deck

Fort Mill hosts York next Friday. That game will kick off at 7:30.

Fort Mill 41, Orangeburg-Wilkinson 7

This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 11:11 PM with the headline "Fort Mill overwhelms Orangeburg-Wilkinson."