Pee Dee picks up region victory

The Pee Dee Academy football team continues to have their resolve tested in this 2009 season and they continue to come through.

Down two players due to sickness, the Golden Eagles saw Florence Christian score twice just before the half, then saw another starter go down. But, they responded with a 32-11 victory.

Early on Pee Dee took complete control.

First they forced a fumble by Florence Christian three plays in, with Bradley George recovering. Then, a 10-play drive culminated on a fourth-down touchdown run by Kevin Driggers from nine yards out.
The run to the left side made it 6-0 Golden Eagles.

Two minutes later, they would score again. Pee Dee forced a quick three and out by the FCS offense. And, on the very first play with the ball, Zack Small got loose down the right side for a 67-yard touchdown run. This would make the score 12-0 at the 3:02 mark of the first quarter.

Possession would change hands quickly and often in the second quarter. Finally, Storm Page gave Pee Dee some life with a 24-yard punt return to the Florence Christian 28.

FCS held the Golden Eagles to a fourth and five at the 23 yardline. But, it was here that Will Daniels floated a pass to Driggers open behind the defense for the touchdown. The lead was now 18-0 and Pee Dee seemed poised for the blowout win.

But, back came the Florence Christian Eagles. On their second play of the ensuing drive, Michael Wilson found his man, Patrick Leyland, open on a sideline route. The receiver took the pass and found the endzone 59 yards later to trim the deficit. The successful two-point conversion closed the gap to 18-8 with two minutes remaining in the half.

After receiving the kickoff, Pee Dee went two plays before fumbling it back. With their backs to the wall and momentum hanging in the balance, the Golden Eagles defense held FCS to a 40-yard field goal attempt. The booming kick was good by Justin Wisnoski and the Pee Dee lead was 18-11 at halftime.

On the first offensive play of the second half, Driggers made a big run into Florence Christian territory, but went down with an ankle injury. Then, to compound matters, the Golden Eagles were stopped on fourth and long, giving Florence Christian the ball back with a chance to tie. However, the Pee Dee defense held and got the ball back.

A methodical drive ended with a three-yard touchdown run by Bradley George. This would up the lead to 24-11 going into the final quarter.

A fired up defense took the field for the Golden Eagles and left the message they would not allow a second comeback attempt by Florence Christian.

Jonathan Dean put the hurt on one runner with a crushing hit. Then, George stuck another for a big loss.

Storm Page put the final nail in the coffin with a 40-yard touchdown run in the fourth and with a successful 2-point pass to Small.

The 32-11 victory improves Pee Dee’s mark to 3-3 on the season and 2-1 in conference play.

Small led the ground game with 106 yards on eight carries with a score. George finished with 77 yards and a touchdown while Driggers ended the night with 54 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

Cole McClam led the defense with 15 tackles.

This Friday, Pee Dee will welcome Byrnes for Homecoming in a non-region contest. Kick-off time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Lon M. Spivey Field.