The Rock Hill-Nation Ford game wasn’t pretty. But there was suspense at the end

Despite a game with three Rock Hill fumbles, double-digit penalties and a spirited closing drive from visiting Nation Ford, Nick Ervin intercepted a Falcon pass in the end zone with just over six seconds remaining, sealing a 25-22 Rock Hill win at District 3 Stadium.

The Bearcat victory sets up a showdown here next Friday night for the Region 3-5A title against Northwestern.

“Nation Ford’s a really good football team. They pose a lot of problems,” Rock Hill coach Bubba Pittman said to reporters after the game. “(They’re) very good on offense. They had a good plan defensively. They were physical. It was just a good, tight region ballgame.”

The teams combined for 13 possessions in a fast-moving first half, in which Nation Ford (4-5, 2-2 Region 3-5A) scored first on a 37-yard toss from Wayde Prince to Daeviaen Qwiy down the left sideline. Ethan Dutton knocked home a 30-yard field goal on the ensuing possession to cut the Falcon lead to 7-3.

Narii Gaither’s one-yard score capped a 13-play, 70-yard drive that chewed up much of the second quarter, putting Rock Hill ahead, 10-7. Later in the second half, Nation Ford recorded its second of two fumble recoveries in the half, then methodically drove down the field. The Falcons stood at the eight-yard line with goal to go, but lost six yards on the next two plays.

Nation Ford quarterback Wayde Prince faked a handoff to running back Nathan Mahaffey, who then released from the backfield. Prince hit Mahaffey in stride with a 14-yard pass over the middle, giving the Falcons a 14-10 advantage they would take to the interval.

Rock Hill (6-2, 3-0) turned in a workmanlike 13-play, 70-yard effort on its first second-half drive that resulted in Gaither’s second score. Pittman spoke of getting his team back to its reputation on that drive.

“A lot of it was just us kind of pounding the football,” said Pittman. “We knew it was gonna be dirty up in there. They had nine hats in the box all night, and we were gonna try to run the football. We kept banging it in there, and just tried to stay true to what the game plan was. That’s where that drive came from.”

After a Dutton field goal nearing the end of the third, the teams traded scores in the fourth, setting the scene for the dramatic finish that was about to unfold.

Turning point

The final series proved as a microcosm of much of the second half. Nation Ford got the ball at its 40 with just inside a minute remaining. The Falcons then drove down the field in a chaotic series, converting two first downs to extend the drive. As the down marker was switched to four, Nation Ford lined up for a 50-yard field goal attempt to try to tie the game. The try fell short, but Rock Hill was called for an offsides penalty. The visitors lined up for another try, but an illegal substitution penalty by the Bearcats drew the ball ever closer and gave Nation Ford a first down.

The Falcons looked as though they would attempt another field goal to tie with 11.4 seconds remaining, but instead threw a pass into the end zone. Ervin waited for the pass as it descended, then snagged the throw to give his team the victory.

“There’s a lot of emotions right there,” said Pittman when asked to describe his mindset as the pass flew through the air. “(I was) just hoping that the defense could hold them and make a play. I’ve got all the faith in the world in those guys, and they bowed up right there and made a play when it counted.”

Critical

For all of the mention Gaither and fellow star Rock Hill runner Noah Thompson have received this year, the Bearcat line has come up huge all season when the team has needed it. Friday night was no exception, as the blocking helped keep the feisty Nation Ford defense at bay for much of the second half.

“Those guys are doing really, really good,” said Pittman of his line play. “Tanner Galbreath in there, Tyrek Banks, Carson Murray, Devon Rice, A.J. Johnson, and Caleb Floyd comes in off the bench. Those guys are playing really well.”

Star contributors

Ervin’s two picks proved large in the contest. His first came on a jumped route inside the Nation Ford 20, with the second coming on the game’s final pass. Ervin’s recent move from safety to cornerback was designed to best utilize the senior defensive back.

“He’s done a good job for us since he moved over there,” said Pittman. “He’s playing with a lot of passion, he’s making plays for us. We’re real proud of Nick.”

Gaither carried 23 times for over 160 yards and two scores. Prince connected on 21-of-28 throws for the Falcons, throwing for over 150 yards.

On deck

Nation Ford travels to Chapin for a non-region contest. Rock Hill plays Northwestern at District 3 Stadium. Both games are slated for a 7:30 kickoff.

Box score

Rock Hill 25, Nation Ford 22

Nation Ford 7;7;0;8;-;22

Rock Hill 3;7;9;6;-;25

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter

NF – Daeviaen Qwiy 37 pass from Wayde Prince (Quinn Castner kick) 8:01

RH – Ethan Dutton 30 field goal 4:27

Second quarter

RH – Narii Gaither 1 run (Dutton kick) 6:47

NF – Nathan Mahaffey 14 pass from Prince (Castner kick) :28.8

Third quarter

RH – Gaither 4 run (kick failed) 3:52

RH – Dutton 24 field goal :56.3

Fourth quarter

RH – Antonio Barber 51 pass from Hayden Jackson (kick failed) 11:42

NF – Mahaffey 2 run (Prince pass to Starnes) 6:37

This story was originally published October 19, 2018 at 10:37 PM.