Dillon knocks off Timberland again

DILLON — For the second straight year, the Dillon Wildcats ended Timberland’s bid for a Class 2A state title and a perfect season.

Desmond Hayes blocked a second-quarter field goal and scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter as Dillon’s defense led the way in a 10-7 win Friday in the third round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Dillon advances to face Manning, a 26-19 winner over Cheraw, this week for the lower state championship.

With Dillon leading early in the second quarter, Desmond Hayes blocked a 23-yard field goal to keep the Wolves off the scoreboard as the Wildcats took a 3-0 halftime lead.

With time winding down in the third quarter, Byron Mayes put the Wolves on top with a 30-yard as Timberland took its first lead with 4:14 left in the third.

But the Wildcats answered right back, capped off by Hayes’ 2-yard TD run as Dillon retook the lead 10-7.

The Wildcats’ defense did the rest, allowing Timberland just 140 yards of total offense. Kevin Lynch sealed the win with a interception with 3:35 left to go in the game.

Dillon ran out the clock to punch their second-straight trip to the lower state championship.

T 0 0 7 0 — 0
D 3 0 7 0 — 10

First Quarter
D — T.J. Grimsley 25 FG (:34)
Third Quarter
T — Byron Mayes 30 run (Alex Krall kick good) 4:14
D — Desmond Hayes 2 run (Grimsley kick) :48

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — D: Hayes 5-34, TD; Dabo Lee 8-41; T: Mayes 8-66, TD; Cody Craig 14-9.
PASSING — D: Tyquan Hayes 9-18-99; T: Craig 1-8-1, INT
RECEIVING — D: Antuawn Blue 6-71
DEFENSE — D: Desmond Hayes 14 tackles, blocked field goal; Kevin Lynch INT