First and Goal: Year three of the Tobacco Bowl should be a good one

In my opinion, I think the key to the Mullins Auctioneer 28-7 victory this past Friday night at Fox Field for the annual Tobacco Bowl trophy game took place the night before the game.

Thursday the Aucs junior varsity team defeated the Swamp Foxes 26-0 at home. Fullback Tracy Dewitt ran for three touchdowns in route to the squad’s fifth win of the season. Ryan Fladger added another touchdown run in the game.

“We played pretty good and I think we had a real good season,” coach Tony Nelson said, adding playing a complete game made the difference.

Dewitt has been a bruising ball carrier with 10 touchdowns on the season, while running back George Rogers added speed to the backfield along with the heads up play of quarterback Justin Elliott, who is only in the eighth grade. Cornerback shaquan brown
has been making plays all season with multiple interceptions and big returns.

“I’m pleased with the way they played all year long and finished the season,” Aucs coach Brian Hennecy said.
Foxes coaches Jedd Hess and Tyrone Crawford said they’re team played a lot of close games and youth movement suffered some growing pains winning four games.

“On a positive note, we did have some unexpected players step up and lead, and I feel that a lot of these kids grew up this year and were able to learn how the game of football works,” Hess said.

The Foxes do have a few bright spots on the squad with the athletic play of Darryl Kelly, Tillman Sanders, Ira Lee and Kenyan Aiken.

This past Friday night the Pee Dee Academy Golden Eagles clinched a playoff berth with a 46-26 victory at home. PDA will hit the road to take on Northwood Academy in Charleston.

The Creek Bridge Warriors close out the season with a tough 47-20 loss at Latta but a standing ovation still goes out to the Warriors for never backing down and playing so many close exciting games on the season with a much improved offense.

Mullins cracks into the playoffs and will be upset minded when they travel to face Manning in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Marion travels to take on undefeated Timberland.