Title helps Wildcats, Hayes silence critics

CLEMSON — Jackie Hayes’ service to Dillon High School and community speaks for itself.

For the last 17 years, Hayes has worn a number of different titles, whether it be football coach, athletic director or state representative.

But there was always one missing; the one he was finally able to embrace Saturday at Memorial Stadium — champion.

The 7-6 win against Central in the Class 2A state championship put the final stamp on Hayes’ already sparkling résumé.

The Wildcats coach has a career mark of 186-43, giving him a winning percentage of .812, by far one of the best in the Pee Dee if not the state.

“To be honest, I never really thought a whole lot about (not winning a title),” Hayes said. “You have years when you think you can win one, and then it doesn’t work out. You just regroup and try it again the next year.

“But we were able to do it this year, and I’m so proud of this team, it’s unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve soaked it all in yet.”

The title was the first for Hayes in four trips, and came in a year when most outside sources believed Hayes’ Wildcats had no chance.

“We always talk about three different seasons at Dillon: non-region games, region games and then the postseason,” Hayes said. “The great thing about this team and these kids was that they got a little bit better each week.”

And Hayes isn’t the only one to silence his critics, either, he said. Quarterback Travis Murphy was also under the same scrutiny.

“Travis also kind of had that knock against him that he couldn’t win the big game,” Hayes said. “But I think he proved them wrong (Saturday). He played an outstanding football game.”

Murphy finished 10-for-19 for 233 yards and a touchdown. His 94-yard strike to Antuawn Blue accounted for Dillon’s only score.

“Central had a good defense, and it was tough to run against them,” Murphy said. “I knew I needed to make some big plays and Antuawn and the other guys were there to back me up.

“It feels great knowing what we accomplished out there.”

And, walking off the field after the game, Murphy, Hayes and everyone else on the Dillon sideline were showered with praise from the Dillon faithful.

But even though the win was a momentous event in his coaching career, Hayes is keeping things in perspective.

“If I know Dillon, they’ll be a big sign when we get back about trying to get (another title) in 2009,” Hayes said.