CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP NOTEBOOK: Antuawn Blue comes up big

CLEMSON — It’s been a wild ride for Antuawn Blue this season.

The junior defensive back/wideout was thrust into starting roles this season after minimal playing time last year.

And now, he’s one of the major reasons why Dillon won its first state since 1948 on Saturday.

There’s no such thing as a most valuable player award in a high school state championship game. But if there were, Blue’s name would be at the top of the list.

On offense, Blue caught five passes for 154 yards and Dillon’s only touchdown of the game.

“We came out and executed well,” Blue said. “Travis made good decisions and I just tried to make the most of my opportunities.“

Blue also was a key factor on defense. He tallied four tackles and had two pass breakups in the secondary.

Then, of course, there was that interception — the one that sealed the victory for the Wildcats.

Blue picked off a Terrence Thomas pass after Anthony Smith tipped it in the air, and capped it off by sliding down in front of the Dillon bench.

“You can’t describe how it feels,” Blue said. “Defense has come through all year and we did it again when it counted.“

“Antuawn just made big plays all over the field,” Dillon coach Jackie Hayes said. “He’s really come into own and has been a big target for Travis after Lorenzo (Allen) went down.”

Fitting end

All through the postseason, the Wildcats have kept their fans on the edge of their seats.

Dillon’s final four wins came by a combined seven points. The Wildcats defeated Silver Bluff 15-13, Manning 10-7 in overtime, Timberland 28-27 in double overtime and Central 7-6.

“That’s how it should have ended,” Hayes said. “We’ve relied on defense and big plays the whole year. We a long touchdown pass and blocked extra point in this one.

“Kind of a fitting end.”

Can’t get much better

The Wildcats defense was about as good as you could hope for in the first half.

Dillon held Central to one first down, 14 yards rushing and five yards passing in the opening 24 minutes.

Just visiting

The Wildcats made their fourth trip to the state championship under Jackie Hayes on Saturday.

And for the third time, Dillon was the visiting team.

The Wildcats also roamed the visiting sideline in 1994 against Berkeley and in 1999 against Union.

The only time Dillon was the home squad was in 2004 against Belton-Honea Path.