The Darlington Falcons wrapped up a Class 3A spot and knocked out the rival Wilson Tigers in the process with a 41-15 win Friday at Memorial Stadium.

Fans of Marlboro County football have lived charmed lives this season. The Bulldogs have rolled over most opponents en route to an 8-0 record, so all is well in Bennettsville.

Former Wilson standout Carlos Powell was released by the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.

Josh Council made his final start against Wilson a memorable one. The Camden senior quarterback threw for 237 yards and five touchdowns and also ran for another score as the Bulldogs defeated the Tigers 45-29 on Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

While playing basketball all over the world, Carlos Powell hasn’t given up on his dream to make it to the NBA.

The Hartsville Red Foxes have rolled over opponents in their first three football games, outscoring them by an average of 40-24. The Wilson Tigers held off South Florence in a 40-30 shootout last Friday.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons did not practice again Tuesday because of a high ankle sprain and is not expected to play in the NFL season opener against Tennessee.

Turnovers and big plays. South Florence’s turnovers helped create an early hole for the Bruins, but Wilson’s big plays in the second half helped the Tigers hold off a fierce comeback.

One streak down. One to go? A week after snapping a nine-game losing streak to West Florence, the South Florence Bruins have another opportunity to end a losing skid against a city rival.

A pair of Pee Dee NFL players are battling injuries. Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who played at Wilson, is dealing with a high ankle sprain while Lamar’s Michael Hamlin, a safety for the Cowboys, broke his wrist and is expected to miss more than a month.

Two of the best prep basketball players in the Pee Dee have decided to leave the state for their senior years.  Mullins’ Eric Smith and Wilson’s Trevonte Dixon have both enrolled at Christ School, a private boarding school outside of Asheville with a national powerhouse basketball program.

It’s been an offseason of change for the Newberry football program and a change of heart for Lance Clark. The former Wilson standout didn’t think he would be on the field today when the Indians open up their season at No. 12 Valdosta State. Clark quit the team in late February and was going to try and walk-on and at South Carolina

It did not take long for Wilson to have their chances at a championship repeat taken away from them.  A week one brawl with Lake City kept the Tigers from participating in the postseason.

Wilson and Lake City could not put away the incident that linked them until Friday morning, when high school football practice kicked off, and the 2009 season officially began.

The dog days of summer gave way to start of a familiar fall ritual Friday as high school football began anew. First practices were held across the Pee Dee and the state beginning early in the morning and lasting throughout the day.