Dillon expects tough game from Marion

The Dillon Wildcats have had very little trouble against the Marion Swamp Foxes this decade.

The Wildcats’ last official loss to Marion came in 2000. The Swamp Foxes’ 35-13 win in 2006 was forfeited because of Marion’s use of an ineligible player.

That might change Friday night when the Class 2A state football champions head to Fox Field to face Marion in the Morning News Game of the Week.

Both teams enter the contest with 2-0 records in Region 8-2A. But Dillon coach Jackie Hayes said this might be his team’s toughest region test.

“We’re working hard in practice getting ready for this game,”  said Hayes, whose squad is 21-11 against the Swamp Foxes all-time. “We know Marion has some good players and we have to be prepared.”

Hayes added his defense will be tested against Marion’s running attack, led by Brian Gillard. The senior has racked up 1,039 yards of total offense with 13 touchdowns on the season.

Lue Clemmons has rushed for 581 yards and 10 scores, and Justin Gause has 433 total yards and three TDs for the Swamp Foxes (5-2).

Said Hayes. “We’ve got to keep (Gillard) in check. He’s going to get his yards, but Marion has the best athletes of any team in the conference.”

“We’re pretty balanced as far as our backs go,” Marion coach Bryan Carfley said. “We end up rushing the ball 30 times or so, but we don’t have one workhorse.”

Carfley continued to say junior quarterback Ross White might be the key to Marion snapping its run of futility against the Wildcats.

White has completed just 49 percent (39-of-80) of his passes this season with seven TDs and six interceptions, but did throw a 32-yard scoring strike to Gillard in his team’s 49-6 rout of Aynor last week.

“(Dillon’s) defense flies to the ball, so we’re not going to be able to run the ball the way we want to,” Carfley said. “Ross has thrown the ball well in the last couple of weeks, and it’s going to be interesting.”

“(Marion’s) got good athletes at every position,” Hayes said. “Let’s hope they turn the ball over three or four times to give us a chance to win.”

The Wildcats (5-2) gained 306 yards of total offense in a 41-7 beating of Mullins. Tyquan Hayes, Jabo Lee and Delaney Leach have combined for 792 yards on the ground and 10 TDs.

“Our defense concerns me (against Dillon),” Carfley said. “Sometimes we play pretty good, and sometimes we don’t know how to do it.

“We’re not big up front, but we have speed on the edges.”

Tyquan Hayes has also thrown for 734 yards with nine scores and six picks. His favorite receivers are twins Antuawn and Anquawn Blue, who have combined for 485 yards and six TDs.

“We’re gonna have to get heat on (Tyquan Hayes) like we did against (Lamar quarterback Trevor Norris),” said Carfley, whose defense has allowed 137 points in seven games. “If we don’t, it could be a long night.”

Hayes feels differently about his team’s chances against an improved Marion defense.

“The key to winning this game is to keep the ball on the ground,” he said. “They have such great athletes on that side of the ball, we don’t wanna take any chances.

“We have to be conservative and pick our spots.”

Both coaches agree the usually rowdy home crowd at Fox Field will not be a factor on Friday.

“I believe our Dillon crowd will match the Marion crowd. We won’t be intimidated,” Hayes said. “I don’t think that’ll be a factor at all.”

“To be honest, I don’t think it’ll play any part. Dillon’s gonna bring as many fans as we’ll have.” Carfley said. “I look for a packed house all around the fence, and I hope we give them a good show.”

Players of the Week
Offense — Marion running back Brian Gillard rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns in the 49-6 win over Aynor.
Defense — South Florence’s Jordan Lester had 16 tackles, including four for loss in a 45-21 loss to Sumter.