Falcons toppled by Knights

DARLINGTON – Darlington High School held its homecoming game on Friday as the team faced off against the West Florence Knights. Although Darlington held a 7-6 lead going into halftime, the Falcons fell 34-10.

“I think right now we are in a process of trying to put everything together,” Darlington head coach Justin Danner said on Monday. “There are lessons to be learned.”

Danner said the West Florence game is an example of how the team needs to finish games more strongly. He said the Falcons have surprised a lot of teams by being very competitive in games against tough opponents, but “we have to go out and play a complete football game and be strong in the fourth quarter. If we can do that, we can be a decent football team.”

The coach said the tough non-region schedule, that includes Hartsville, West Florence and South Florence, will help the team prepare for region play. “I think we have one of the toughest regions in AAA,” Danner said. “Every team will have to come out ready to compete.”

Danner said he believes the Falcons have a chance to be very competitive in region play, and these early games are giving the coaches a chance to learn more about the team’s players.

“We’re finding out what these kids can do better,” he said. “That’s the purpose of the non-region schedule. We are progressing.”

Quayshan Ross finished with eight catches for 140 yards receiving to lead the Falcons’ offensive efforts. Quientin McPhail also had a touchdown run during the game.
The Falcons(1-3) will travel to play the Bruins of South Florence on Friday at 7:30 p.m.