FLORENCE — Wilson took the field Thursday night against South Florence a depleted football team.
At least 14 players, including six defensive starters, were suspended for the game by the South Carolina High School League because of their actions in last week’s melee against Lake City.
Thursday night’s game saw some chippy and unsportsmanlike play between the cross-town rivals. In the end, Wilson established dominance with its offense and walked away with a 52-26 win.
The two teams did not shake hands following the game, which South Florence coach Lynn Fleming said was predetermined by both schools.
Wilson coach Darryl Page would not comment on any aspect of the game.
Fleming chalked up some of the extra-curriculars to being a hard-played game between two rivals.
“Football is a battle,” he said. “Kids are out there playing hard, and these things are going to happen.”
A sparse crowd at Memorial Stadium saw Wilson’s offense show no ill effects of the suspensions.
Wilson’s Richard Cue rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another in the first half. Jeremiah Gandy also returned a fumble 43 yards for a score as the Tigers built a 33-14 halftime lead.
On its first possession of the third quarter, South closed the deficit to 33-20 on a 4-yard TD run from Terrion Brown, but that was as close as the Bruins got.
Cue, who went the whole game because Maliek McCall didn’t play, completed 8 of 13 passes for 201 yards and three scores. The senior signal caller also rushed for 57 yards and two scores.
Justin Kelly finished with 99 yards and two TDs on six catches. Caleb Davis hauled in three passes for 108 yards and a pair of scores.
“(Our defense) has been the same for two weeks,” Fleming said. “We’re not practicing at game speed, and we’re too comfortable. That’s one aspect we need to correct.”
Troy Jones finished with 123 yards and a TD on 21 carries to lead South Florence. Jones left the game in the fourth quarter after being injured on two Wilson facemask penalties.
“Anytime you have a big-play player, you’re going to do what you can to take him out of the game,” Fleming said. “Troy is a big-play player, and (Wilson) did what teams do to great players.”
Wilson (1-1) travels to Hartsville on Sept. 12, while South Florence (0-2) hosts Lakewood.
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