Defensive stand lifts Phantoms

FLORENCE — With the game on the line, the Florence Phantoms needed a stop and Ray Johnson was up to the task.

Johnson stopped Walter Ford on a two-point conversion with one minute left to preserve the Phantoms’ 50-49 victory over Fayetteville on Saturday at the Florence Civic Center.

The win is the Phantoms’ third straight and puts them on top of the AIFA South Division standings. It also gives Florence possession of the I-95 cup at least until the two teams meet in Fayetteville on June 6.

“This was a big win for us,” Florence coach Mike Watson said. “It keeps our momentum going and gives us confidence when we go on the road.”

Trailing 50-43, Fayetteville’s Shawn Withy-Allen hit Jay Jackson on an 8-yard pass to make it 50-49. But instead of kicking the extra point to tie it, Fayetteville went for two.

“I was surprised. But I guess the old adage is you go for the win on the road and tie at home,” Watson said. “But we were there to make the play. The defense stepped up when we had to.”

Florence ran the clock out from the there as Jonathan Wedlock picked up two first downs to seal the win.

Florence was able to get the lead because of its defense. With the score tied at 43, Fayetteville drove inside the Phantoms’ 10, but Larry Thompson intercepted Allen for the second time in the game.

On the next play, Florence quarterback Omar Jacobs hooked up with Reggie Eubanks on a 40-yard pass to put the Phantoms up 50-43.

Jacobs finished with 189 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw one interception.

Eubanks, who came into the game with just seven catches, caught nine passes for 132 yards and two TDs.

Allen finished with 148 yards and three TDs but threw two interceptions.

Former Marlboro County standout Tymere Zimmerman had four catches for 83 yards and a touchdown on the last play of the first half, which pulled the Guard to within 30-28.

The Phantoms will play their next three games on the road beginning Saturday at Carolina. Florence won’t return home until May when it faces Reading.