Stallions overcome turnovers to beat Union County (video)

After South Pointe was unable to handle the ball the first two times Union County kicked off, one might have expected the night to end differently for the Stallions.

As it was, the defending 3A state champs booked a return trip to Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, defeating Region 3-3A foe Union County 27-12 to win the 3A Upper State title.

Stallions coach Strait Herron spoke about the benefits of taking a team familiar with the process to play for another state championship.

“I think it’s important, from an experience standpoint,” said Herron after the game. “Our older guys know what to expect, and the younger guys get to learn a little bit about what we’re trying to do. I think that’s all huge when it comes to building the program that we want.”

Those two early fumbles cost the Stallions three points, as Curtis Johnson kicked a 26-yard field goal to give the Yellow Jackets a three-point lead. The Stallions limited the damage, though, as they scored on their next two possessions, taking a 12-6 lead to halftime.

The stingy Stallions defense tightened its clamp on the Yellow Jackets, forcing five punts and three turnovers after allowing a field goal early in the second quarter. Union County notched a late score on a 75-yard connection from De’airrius Smith to Shi Smith, cutting the margin to 20-12. South Pointe took just 22 seconds to score again, though, providing the final margin.

Turning point

South Pointe had surrendered the early field goal after the fumble on the opening kickoff, and Union County appeared poised to strike again just four minutes into the first quarter. Stallion defensive back Ken’Darius Frederick stepped in front of a De’airrius Smith toss in the end zone, keeping the Yellow Jackets off the board and ending the threat.

The interception was one of five by Stallions defensive backs, a key factor in the victory.

“Just making turnovers,” said Herron. “I was concerned, because that’s what they’ve been doing. Union, once they’ve gotten in the playoffs, they were getting a lot of turnovers. I’m glad that it fell back on our side. That was huge. I think that’s the difference in the game.”

Critical

South Pointe hit several big plays, including touchdown passes of 95 and 67 yards respectively from Greg Ruff to Josh Wilkes. Ruff also added a 44-yard scamper for six in the second quarter.

“It’s the matchups,” stated Herron when asked about what helped lead to the big plays. “If we can get Josh or ‘Zo (Lorenzo Wells) on the right defender, then it’s an opportunity to go deep. If you can just catch (the rush) and get it off, it gives your guys a chance to go get the ball.”

Star contributions

Ruff completed 11 of 18 passes for 250 yards and two scores, adding a 44-yard rushing touchdown. Ruff added to his impressive total of passes without an interception, which now stands at 406. Both touchdown strikes went to Josh Wilkes, who caught four balls for 173 yards. Stallions defensive backs Quay Brown and Frederick had two interceptions apiece. Brown’s was returned 40 yards for a score.

Union County’s De’airrius Smith completed 19 of 39 passes for 289 yards, hitting receiver Shi Smith on a 75-yard throw for the Yellow Jackets’ only touchdown. Shi Smith had four grabs for 144 yards.

Overheard

South Pointe will face Midland Valley next Saturday at 3:00 p.m. for the 3A state title. “I don’t think our guys will change,” said Herron. “I think it’s just what we did last year. It’s just another game. Hopefully we’ll get them prepared and get ready to go play.”

South Pointe 27, Union County 12

This story was originally published December 4, 2015 at 11:22 PM with the headline "Stallions overcome turnovers to beat Union County (video)."