Phantoms head to Fayetteville needing a win

FLORENCE — With only four games left in the season, the Florence Phantoms are almost starting from scratch.

The Phantoms have lost nine starters, including quarterback Omar Jacobs, and his top target, A.J. Bennett, because of injuries and various reasons during the last month.

During that span, Florence has lost three straight and has gone from first to third place in the AIFA South Division behind Columbus and Fayetteville.

Florence (6-4) trails the Guard by one game for the division’s final playoff spot heading into tonight’s game at Fayetteville.

“It’s been very difficult. We had very good players that were all league. It’s been like starting over,” Florence coach Mike Watson said Friday before practice. “We are seeing some positive things and it will be OK in the long run as long as everyone is doing their best.

“I think we could save the season and get back to the championship mindset.”

Watson said Jacobs (back) might be done for the year. Former Darlington standout Brian Scott has taken over for Jacobs.

Scott, who played receiver at South Carolina, struggled last week against Columbus. He threw for just 125 yards and was intercepted five times in the 36-14 loss.

The cast of receivers around Scott is different. In addition to Bennett, Reggie Eubanks and C.J. Washington (injury) also are missing. Torrey Pettigrew, who played at South Florence, is now the team’s top receiver.

“Brian is an extremely smart quarterback,” Watson said. “Once he gets a good rhythm going he’s going to be fine. He’s getting better every day.”

Watson will need a strong performance against the Guard to keep the Phantoms in the hunt for a playoff spot.

A Phantoms’ loss would drop them two games behind Fayetteville with just three games left.Florence defeated Fayetteville 50-49 on March 4.

Since then, the Guard have won four of their last five and have scored 40 ore more points in their last five games.

“We definitely need to win this week,” Watson said. “We are going to do what it takes and hopefully we will come out of there with a win.”

Notes
—Former Marlboro County standout Tyemere Zimmerman will not play tonight for Fayetteville. Zimmerman had knee surgery last week. He was the team’s second leading receiver with with 48 receptions for 510 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

—Because of various events scheduled at the Florence Civic Center, the Phantoms have practiced much of the last two weeks outside at Freedom Florence.
“You don’t get that same feeling practicing outside,” Watson said. “There isn’t the walls and its a different mindset.” 

—Columbus signed former Oakland Raider and Arizona Cardinal Eric Johnson this week. Johnson spent the last two seasons playing for the Georgia Force.

Johnson was a member of the Raiders’ Super Bowl team in 2003. In the game, he returned a   blocked punt for a touchdown in the loss to the Buccaneers.

—Florence returns home next Saturday for its final home game against South Carolina.